Impact of individual characteristics on employment, entrepreneurship and self-employment in Russia

Self-employment and entrepreneurship can be considered as mechanisms for adapting the labor market to external shocks. The purpose of this study is to identify socio-demographic and professional characteristics that determine the choice of individuals between employment, entrepreneurship, and self-employment. We used the database ofmicrodata from workforce sample surveys at Rosstat from 2017 to 2020. The studyshowed significant gender, age, and professional differences in the profiles of entrepreneurs, self-employed, and employees. Employment is facilitated bythe availability of vocational education and the age limit of 50 years. Self-employment is more often chosen byindividuals with a low level of education and predominantly in young (15-19 years old) and older age groups. Entrepreneurs are characterized by a higher level of education and family status. The results of the logit analysis suggest that age and living in rural areas have a negative effect on employment. The sectoral structure of the region’s economyalsoinfluences the choice of labor market strategy. Due to the significant differences in age, level of education, and types of activity, we believe that self-employment is considered by individuals not as one of the stages of entrepreneurship but rather as an alternative to employment, especially for young people aged 15-19 and for the older generation (55+).