Economic Connectedness: How U.S. High Schools Can Enable Economic Mobility

Abstract

This research on economic connectedness aims to explore the role of high schools in promoting cross-socioeconomic class friendships and therefore economic mobility. Interventions in high schools possess enormous potential to increase economic mobility. This work examines patterns among high schools with integrated socio-economic social networks and identifies key programs and activities that can encourage cross-class friendships. New research from Opportunity Insights has found that social networks play a critical role in promoting economic mobility, with economic connectedness (i.e., cross-class friendships) being the single greatest predictor of whether a person from a low-SES (socio-economic status) background will experience economic mobility. Economic connectedness has two primary components: exposure and friending bias.