A sobering 15-nation study from the University of Chicago has documented what sociologists are calling “the friendship recession”—a dramatic decline in close friendships correlated with rising economic inequality and workplace demands.
The research reveals that the average number of close friends has dropped from 3.0 in 1990 to just 1.5 today, with 15% of adults reporting no confidants at all outside family.
The economic dimensions of this trend are striking. Researchers identified a “friendship wealth gap”: individuals in the top 20% income bracket maintain social networks twice as large as those in the bottom 20%. Time poverty emerges as a key factor—low-wage workers holding multiple jobs reported having just 37 minutes daily for social interaction, compared to 2.5 hours among more affluent participants.
The study also uncovered a vicious cycle whereby financial stress erodes friendships, which in turn reduces social capital that could help overcome economic challenges. Laid-off workers with strong friendship networks, for instance, found new employment 30% faster than their socially isolated counterparts. Geographic displacement compounds these issues, with 43% of participants reporting losing touch with friends after moving for work opportunities.
Urban planners and policymakers are taking note. Some cities are experimenting with “social infrastructure” initiatives like community living rooms in apartment complexes and mixed-use developments designed to foster casual interaction. Employers are being urged to consider friendship preservation as a factor in relocation packages and scheduling practices. As study director Dr. Rajiv Shah notes, “We’re recognizing that friendship isn’t just a personal matter—it’s a public health and economic stability issue that demands policy solutions.”
Related topics:
