Context Matters: The Varying Roles of Social Ties for Professional Careers of Immigrants’ Descendants

Abstract Research on social networks of immigrants and their descendants usually starts from the distinction between ‘ethnic’ ties to members population without migration background. In studies are repeatedly associated with ‘strong ties’, whereas ‘weak ties’ – that found be essential for access jobs in wider society contacts ‘majority population’. Building existing criticism this narrowing dichotomy looking at upward mobility careers immigrants’ we question group-related understanding weak strong ties. Examining professional trajectories Germany, chapter suggests shifting focus occupational contexts order understand better how why different types can play an important role mobility. We argue both quality ‘ethnic dimension’ dependent context its specific institutionalized modes recruitment. Moreover, forms or ‘cross-ethnic’ develop a changing significance course career over time; makes it necessary also look dynamics contexts. The compares inclusion into two fields: law public administration. It draws interviews (mainly Turkish) working these sectors. While sector mainly which had been built up during university later careers, proved important, administration relatives friends were most crucial jobs. sectors, observe ‘co-ethnics’ become increasingly relevant as people immigrant descent gradually achieve higher positions.