SOCIAL NETWORK IN INFORMAL LABOUR MARKET: A Case Study of Migrant Construction Workers in Delhi

For migrants, social network is crucial for finding jobs and accommodation, circulating goods and services, as well as psychological support and continuous social and economic information. Social network often guide migrants into or through specific places and occupations.
For the purpose of the present study, Delhi has been selected because construction workers are very much concentrated in the upcoming cities, mega cities, metros, and other urban agglomeration. The choice is guided by the fact that this is traditionally an in-migrating region of India. The objectives of this study are to analyze the use of social network in finding jobs in construction sector specially at the lower end of occupational hierarchy and to see the network that migrants maintain with the locals (within the construction site and with other city dweller) and also at the place of origin. The research questions are, how and to what extent social network is helpful in accessing employment opportunities in the construction sector? Does social network emerges as a more beneficial for those seeking employment at the lower end of the occupational hierarchy in construction sector? To what extent demographic, socio-cultural and other attributes matter in accessing and utilization of social network?