When it comes to economic mobility – low-income children’s ability to rise from poverty – we’ve known for a while that where you live influences your chances of success. Now, a new study suggests it’s not just where you live, but who you know that can tip the odds.
A vast new project looking at the connections between tens of millions of young adults provides the clearest picture yet of how social capital and connections across different socioeconomic levels can increase economic mobility. The data, based on more than 70 million Facebook profiles, covers 82% of people aged 25-44 in the U.S. – or more than 21 billion “friendships.”

Read more: https://ui.charlotte.edu/story/who-you-befriend-affects-your-economic-mobility