Impact of Networks on Unemployment

This book investigates why networks, some with joined-up governance§remits, appeared ineffective in handling neighbourhood unemployment even in§periods when the national unemployment levels dropped. It deploys a§multi-theoretical and methodological framework to investigate this empirical§puzzle, and to test and analyse the causal factors influencing network§outcomes. Chapters examine network concepts, network theories, outcome§indicators, the historical infrastructure and management of unemployment§policy, and governing network trends in post-war urban regeneration§interventions. Comparative network case studies offer empirical evidence and a§high degree of local variation. Mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative§approaches), including social network analysis, uncover formal and informal§networks, and eighty-six interviews in two English local authorities with§persistent unemployment, give voice to network practitioner experiences.§Findings explain why sub-optimal network outcomes prevail and operational§difficulties persist on the ground. Students and academics, professionals and§activists can use the results to challenge network governance theories and the§policy status-quo.§