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Research networks and the initial placement of PhD holders in academia: evidence from social science fields

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Abstract

Based on the data of 1882 Chinese doctoral students in social science fields, this study examined the initial placement of PhD holders in the academic labor market. Findings indicate the research network of doctorate holders is significantly related to their academic career identity attainment. There was an inverted U-shape curve between the research network scale and the probability of pursuing an academic career. Those occupying more structural hole locations were more likely to choose an academic career. However, neither the scale nor location of the research network could guarantee a faculty position in a prestigious university or department. No significant correlation was found between the research network and academic career status attainment.

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Notes

  1. According to the World First-Class University Construction Plan released by the Ministry of Education, PRC in 2015, Chinese universities hierarchy is classified into three levels. Ranking from high to low, they are First-Class University HEI, First-Class Discipline HEI, and Non-double First-Class HEI. The list can be retrieved from: http://www.moe.gov.cn/s78/A22/A22_ztzl/ztzl_tjsylpt/sylpt_jsgx/201712/t20171206_320667.html.

  2. Departmental prestige is ranked according to the fourth round of discipline evaluation results released by the Academic Degree and Graduate Education Development Center, MOE. The ranking can be retrieved from: https://www.cdgdc.edu.cn/xwyyjsjyxx/xkpgjg/.

  3. CSSCI refers to Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index.

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Funding

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 71904100).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Evaluation Studies, Beijing, China

    Jiale Yang

  2. Institute of Education Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

    Qing Wu

  3. Institute of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

    Chuanyi Wang

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  1. Jiale Yang
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Correspondence to Chuanyi Wang.

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Yang, J., Wu, Q. & Wang, C. Research networks and the initial placement of PhD holders in academia: evidence from social science fields. Scientometrics 127, 3253–3278 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-022-04394-7

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