Mark Granovetter

Mark Granovetter is a sociologist known for his work on social networks and how connections influence behavior. His most famous idea, "the strength of weak ties," suggests that casual or distant relationships—like acquaintances—are often more valuable for finding new job opportunities or information than close friends. These weak ties connect different groups, helping people access diverse resources and insights. Essentially, Granovetter highlighted how our broader social networks play a crucial role in social and economic mobility, emphasizing that not just close friends matter, but also weak, distant connections.