Review of "Unanticipated Gains: Origins of Network Inequality in Everyday Life."

Abstract

In Unanticipated Gains: Origins of Network Inequality in Everyday Life Mario Small illustrates the importance of organizations in producing network- based inequality. Small argues that organizations play an underappreciated role in social capital research. Organizations are important because network connections often develop inside of organizations, and the broader organizational context in which a network connection develops can determine how much the connection is worth. Small contrasts his “organizational embeddedness” perspective with theoretical frameworks that have focused on network consequences as the expense of network origins or have adopted a rational actor perspective, where actors develop network connections in pursuit of the benefits those connections can provide, and have ignored the broader organizational context in which network connections develop. He illustrates the value of his perspective with childcare centers in New York City. If you are wondering why childcare centers, finish the book, and you will appreciate the critical role these centers play in the lives of many New Yorkers.