The Unemployed Population and Self-Employment in the Siberian Region

Abstract

This article analyzes the results of sociological research on unemployed people’s social and work expectations about self-employment (1995, 2002, and 2013), conducted in a monitoring mode and using a single methodology, in Novosibirsk oblast. The study focuses on the potentials and limitations of self-employment, and studies the changing sociodemographic potential of the unemployed population, their motivation and willingness for self-employment. The authors conclude that the encouragement of self-employment should be accorded the status of a nationwide issue, which will immediately affect two processes: developing entrepreneurship and fighting unemployment.