Journal of Iranian Social Studies

Abstract Working is one of the most important aspects of modern human life and job searching has been studied by economic sociologists since the birth of new economic sociology. Iran has faced numerous economic problems in recent decades, including high unemployment rates. Given the difficulty of finding a job in contemporary society, this article examines job search in the city of Abhar from the perspective of new economic sociology using a network approach. The present study is theoretically based on the theories of Mark Granovetter and Nan Lin. The method of study was a survey and the data were collected using a questionnaire administered in a sample that was selected using cluster sampling in Abhar city. Findings show that 1) the use of social networking has been the most important method of search and job acquisition among the sample, 2) Nan Lane's theory of social resources is sufficient to investigate the subject 3) Although Granovetter's theory of the strength of weak bonds is rejected, the findings support his theory of sovereignty. The research’s main findings show that 1) using social networks was the most important way to search for and get a job among the sample, 2) Nan Lin’s social resources theory is adequate to investigate the subject, 3) while Granovetter’s ‘Strength of Weak Ties’ theory is refuted, the findings support his embeddedness theory.