| Abstract: | This essay outlines the ways that networks structure opportunities foremployment and advancement and the ways that networks build frameworks of support, particularly for women in geography. I consider the evidence supporting the contention that personal contacts and social networks affect careeroutcomes. I then note that each person's networks are likely to be biased in favor of others who share common interests and concerns. In particular, gender affects network composition in significant ways. Because network composition affects how a network functions, it is worth considering the personal and professional advantages of building diverse networks. In the final section I suggest ways to build such networks. |
