Gender, social networks and job access: evidence from the Algerian labor market

Purpose - This paper aims to study the behavior of individuals in their job search. The authors analyze the impact of the size and quality of the network on the probability of finding a job through relationships and the quality of the job found through networks for men and women separately. Design/methodology/approach - For this, the authors estimate a series of logit models using the Algerian employment survey (2003 and 2007). Then, they use these models to undertake predictions of the probability of finding jobs through social networks according to the size of the social networks. Findings - The findings of this research, confirm that men and women use different methods in the job search; women use fewer connection networks in the search compared to men. There appears to exist some discrimination against women in the use of family networks; men use and find more jobs using family relationships. Overall, the jobs found through relationships are more precarious and less stable. Social networks appear to be an effective method of finding a job in Algeria but not for skilled jobs. Originality/value - There are few empirical works that analyze at the same time the role of relationship networks in integration into the labor market and the quality of employment, in particular in the case of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries. Understanding the intermediation mechanisms can help to develop better employment policy strategies.