In my research, I use my background as an economic sociologist to explain how social networks (i.e., who we know) contribute to inequality in career attainment, with the goal of creating solutions that can reduce these differences. What are the benefits of social networks for different job seekers? How do institutions shape these benefits? In seeking to answer these questions, my research provides causally rigorous evidence for specific mechanisms that link gender, race, social networks, and labor market inequality. I do this by developing novel research methods and collecting unique datasets.
Much of my research takes place in China. China has undergone profound institutional transformations never experienced in North America, including the political turmoil of the Cultural Revolution and the rapid development of market institutions. By focusing on spatial and temporal institutional diversity in China, I generate new insights into how institutions shape inequality. To collect high-quality research in the Chinese context, I leverage my research expertise in contemporary China, language proficiency in Mandarin, and professional relationships forged over the last 20 years.
My current research with Sharon Koppman and Phoebe Chua explores ethnic differences in networking among Silicon Valley engineers. In another project with Felicia Tian, we study how employer practices shape cultural logics surrounding network matching in the U.S. and in China. I am currently collecting data for a new project with Daphne Demetry about entrepreneurial pivoting during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Peer reviewed papers
Forthcoming Obukhova, E. and A. M. Kleinbaum. Scouting and Schmoozing: A Gender Difference in Networking during Job Search. Academy of Management Discoveries. Journal link. Open access.
Forthcoming. Obukhova, E. and B. Rubineau. Market transition and network-based job matching in China: The referrer perspective. Industrial Labor Relations Review. Journal link. Open access.
2017 Obukhova, E. and L. Zhang*. Social Capital and Job Search in Urban China: The Strength-of-Strong-Ties Hypothesis Revisited. Chinese Sociological Review 49(4): 340-361. Journal link. Open access.
2016 Zhang*, J., E. Zuckerman and E. Obukhova. A Lack of Security or of Cultural Capital? Acculturative Conservatism in the Naming Choices of Early 20th-Century U.S. Jews. Social Forces 94(4): 1509-1538. Journal link. Open access.
2014 Obukhova, E., E. Zuckerman and J. Zhang*. When Politics Froze Fashion: The Effect of the Cultural Revolution on Naming in Beijing. American Journal of Sociology 120(2): 555-583. Journal link. Open access.
2013 Obukhova, E. and G. Lan*. Do Job-Seekers Benefit from Contacts? A Direct Test with Contemporaneous Searches. Management Science 59(10): 2204-2216. Journal link. Open access.
2012 Obukhova, E. Motivation vs. Relevance: Using Strong Ties to Find a Job in China. Social Science Research 41(3): 470-480. Journal link. Open access.
Much of my research takes place in China. China has undergone profound institutional transformations never experienced in North America, including the political turmoil of the Cultural Revolution and the rapid development of market institutions. By focusing on spatial and temporal institutional diversity in China, I generate new insights into how institutions shape inequality. To collect high-quality research in the Chinese context, I leverage my research expertise in contemporary China, language proficiency in Mandarin, and professional relationships forged over the last 20 years.
My current research with Sharon Koppman and Phoebe Chua explores ethnic differences in networking among Silicon Valley engineers. In another project with Felicia Tian, we study how employer practices shape cultural logics surrounding network matching in the U.S. and in China. I am currently collecting data for a new project with Daphne Demetry about entrepreneurial pivoting during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Peer reviewed papers
Forthcoming Obukhova, E. and A. M. Kleinbaum. Scouting and Schmoozing: A Gender Difference in Networking during Job Search. Academy of Management Discoveries. Journal link. Open access.
Forthcoming. Obukhova, E. and B. Rubineau. Market transition and network-based job matching in China: The referrer perspective. Industrial Labor Relations Review. Journal link. Open access.
2017 Obukhova, E. and L. Zhang*. Social Capital and Job Search in Urban China: The Strength-of-Strong-Ties Hypothesis Revisited. Chinese Sociological Review 49(4): 340-361. Journal link. Open access.
2016 Zhang*, J., E. Zuckerman and E. Obukhova. A Lack of Security or of Cultural Capital? Acculturative Conservatism in the Naming Choices of Early 20th-Century U.S. Jews. Social Forces 94(4): 1509-1538. Journal link. Open access.
2014 Obukhova, E., E. Zuckerman and J. Zhang*. When Politics Froze Fashion: The Effect of the Cultural Revolution on Naming in Beijing. American Journal of Sociology 120(2): 555-583. Journal link. Open access.
2013 Obukhova, E. and G. Lan*. Do Job-Seekers Benefit from Contacts? A Direct Test with Contemporaneous Searches. Management Science 59(10): 2204-2216. Journal link. Open access.
2012 Obukhova, E. Motivation vs. Relevance: Using Strong Ties to Find a Job in China. Social Science Research 41(3): 470-480. Journal link. Open access.
