Why The Barista You Barely Know Might Change Your Life ☕️

The Strength of Weak Ties by Mark Granovetter has been cited over 70,000 times.

It provides a solution to unlocking UK social mobility.

We need to help our young people build weaker, not stronger, networks. Here's why...

1. New information:💡: Close ties (like family & close friends) typically have the same information as you. These can reinforce existing stereotypes about what is possible.

2. Diversity of Opportunities 🚀: Since weak ties connect individuals to different social groups, they offer access to a broader and more diverse range of job opportunities.

3. Cultural Capital 🎭: Weak connections introduce individuals to new cultural norms, values, and behaviours which are crucial for navigating professional environments.

4. Education 🎓: Knowledge about scholarships, mentorship programs & extracurriculars that bolster university applications increases with the number of weak ties.

5. Personal Growth 🌱: Stepping outside comfort zones, which includes nurturing weak ties, leads to personal and professional development.

This is easier said than done. We believe the quantity of work experience our young people do will help build the weak ties needed to serve as bridges to new worlds and opportunities 🌉.

#SocialMobility #NotImpossible