Outlines of the subject field of labor economy under modern conditions

The article analyzes features of determining labor economy’s subject field under modern conditions. It is shown that labor economy can be considered as a scientific area, sphere of professional activity, or educational specialization. The current state of affairs in scientific sphere of labor economy in the Russian Federation is analyzed, including: representation of scientific schools, availability of specialized journals, dissertational councils, etc. Results of work on developing the professional standard of a “specialist in labor economics” are considered. The grounds for recognizing this standard as legitimate for the practice of professional activity are highlighted. Educational environment that provides education in the sphere of labor economics is described. Conclusions are drawn that due to blurring of the focus of development, as well as the active diffusion of human resource management in the areas of unusual professional activities, the content of science and educational specialization of the labor economy becomes simplified. Without proper justification of the place and role of labor economics specialists’ activity at enterprises, as well as without up-to-date and relevant studies in this field and preparation of a new educational standard in the frameworks of FSES (Federal State Education Standard) 3 ++ in the field of labor economics, we can state the disappearance of this professional field in midterm prospective.