Abstract

This is the first article to study the interaction between labour markets and endogenous referral networks in the context of worker heterogeneity. In equilibrium the structure of the referral network is hierarchical, which is different from the usual assumption of homophily but is consistent with the evidence. Hierarchy exacerbates inequality. The welfare effects of the use of referrals are subtle and depend on the nature of heterogeneity. If heterogeneity is due to productivity differences, referrals improve welfare. If workers face the different probability of forming a match despite having the same productivity, as in the case of discrimination, referrals reduce welfare.

中文翻译：

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推介网络和不平等

摘要

这是第一篇研究工人异质化背景下的劳动力市场与内生推荐网络之间相互作用的文章。在平衡状态下，推荐网络的结构是分层的，与通常的同构假设不同，但与证据一致。等级制加剧了不平等。使用推荐的福利影响是微妙的，并取决于异质性的性质。如果异质性是由于生产力差异造成的，那么转介可以改善福利。如果工人在生产率相同的情况下，尽管面临相同的生产率而面临形成匹配的可能性不同，则转介会降低福利。