Network resources and job search in urban China

I examine the role of network resources in job search in urban China between 1988 and 2000. Data are from a recent survey in a Chinese city. I show that personal networks still contribute positively to job search in the post-1988 period. Network resources are mobilized to influence both access to job information and assistance in job attainment. However, job seekers without university education have greater incentives than college graduates to use network resources in job search. These findings allow me to reflect upon four issues in network research: (1) the use of social contacts for job search in a competitive labour market, (2) the relationship between the use of network resources and the distribution of such resources in society, (3) the relationship between social status and the use of social contacts, and (4) strong ties and information gathering. © 2003 The Australian Sociological Association.