Evolution of approaches to the definition of self-employment of the population

This paper provides a historical background on the formation of concepts related to self-employment. Theoretical approaches to the definition of the concept of such concepts are considered: self-employment, self-employed, freelance. The main professions that fit the definition of self-employed are outlined. The main reasons for the transition to such a way of earning as self-employment are considered, and the problems of income formation for these individuals are described.