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Social Network Analysis and informal trade

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  • Olivier Walther

    (Department of Border Region Studies, University of Southern Denmark)

Abstract

The objective of this article is to show how a formal approach to social networks can be applied to better understand informal trade in developing countries, with a particular focus on Africa. The paper starts by discussing some of the fundamental concepts developed by social network analysis. Through a number of case studies, we show how social network analysis can illuminate the relevant causes of social patterns, the impact of social ties on economic performance, the diffusion of resources and information, and the exercise of power. The paper then examines some of the methodological challenges of social network analysis and how it can be combined with other approaches. The paper finally highlights some of the applications of social network analysis and their implications for trade policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Olivier Walther, 2015. "Social Network Analysis and informal trade," Working Papers 4, University of Southern Denmark, Centre for Border Region Studies.
    • Handle: RePEc:sdn:wpaper:4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jean-Philippe Berrou & Alain Piveteau & Thibaud Deguilhem & Leo Delpy & Claire Gondard-Delcroix, 2021. "Who Drives if No-one Governs? A Social Network Analysis of Social Protection Policy in Madagascar," Working Papers hal-03180029, HAL.
    2. Jean-Philippe Berrou & Alain Piveteau & Thibaud Deguilhem & Delpy Léo & Claire Gondard-Delcroix, 2020. "Qui pilote si personne ne gouverne ? La politique publique de protection sociale à Madagascar au prisme de l’analyse des réseaux sociaux," Working Papers hal-02918286, HAL.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    social networks; informal trade; development; centrality; brokerage; embeddedness; social capital; Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D85 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Network Formation
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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