LISS 2025. Authors: Roza Meuleman (Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen – Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen), Giacomo Solano (Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen – Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen)
Women and migrants often face disadvantages in the labor market, including lower wages, higher unemployment, and underemployment. While research has explored factors like education or structural barriers, less is known about how these groups choose whom to turn to for help in their networks—and how these choices affect career outcomes. This study addresses three key gaps. First, it looks at the actual decisions people make when seeking support, rather than just who is in their network. Second, it examines the costs of networking, such as the expectation to give as well as receive help, and whether women and migrants weigh these trade-offs differently. Third, it connects networking choices to real labor market outcomes, showing how patterns in seeking support contribute to inequality. Using a unique experiment where participants choose between potential helpers, the study reveals the trade-offs people make and how networks are built and used, offering new insights into labor market disparities.