Mark Granovetter's "The Strength of Weak Ties" (1973) argues that weak social connections—acquaintances or casual relationships—are surprisingly influential because they bridge diverse social groups. Unlike strong ties, which involve close friends or family members who usually share similar information and networks, weak ties expose individuals to new ideas, unique information, and broader opportunities, such as jobs, innovation, and upward social mobility. Granovetter notably demonstrated this by showing that many people find employment through acquaintances rather than close connections, highlighting how weak ties significantly impact personal and professional advancement.

Additionally, weak ties play a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion by connecting separate, tightly-knit communities through bridges across "structural holes" in social networks. These bridging ties facilitate the exchange of diverse ideas, enhance innovation, and improve society's overall resilience and adaptability. Thus, seemingly superficial relationships are essential not only for individual success but also for the broader integration and stability of communities and social structures.