What's in the “old boys” network? Accessing social capital in gendered and racialized networks

Network processes have long been implicated in the reproduction of labor market inequality, but it remains unclear whether white male networks provide more social capital resources than female and minority networks. Analysis of nationally representative survey data reveals that people in white male networks receive twice as many job leads as people in female/minority networks. White male networks are also comprised of higher status connections than female/minority networks. The information and status benefits of membership in these old boy networks accrue to all respondents and not just white men. Furthermore, gender homophilous contacts offer greater job finding assistance than other contacts. The results specify how social capital flows through gendered and racialized networks.

► Uses nationally representative data to examine unequal access to network resources. ► People in white male networks receive twice as many job leads as people in female/minority networks. ► White male networks have higher status alters than female/minority networks. ► Gender homophilous connections are more likely to vouch for others than heterophilous ties. ► Highlights the informal barriers faced by women and racial minorities in the labor market.