Ethnic inequalities in labour market entry in Estonia
The aim of this paper is to find out how ethnicity influences labour market entry in Estonia. Paper focuses on ethnical Estonians and Non-Estonians first job quality in period 1991-1997 and 2001-2006. The main question is to what extent ethnicity and Estonian language skill influence youth occupational status in their first job. The data to be used is the Estonian Labour Force Surveys conducted in years 1995, 1997 and 2002-2006. Results from linear regression analysis indicate that both ethnicity and Estonian language skill effect significantly occupational status in first job. Non- Estonians who speak Estonian attain somewhat lower initial occupational status than Estonians. Investment in country specific human capital is more useful in period 1991-1997, whereas in years 2001-2006 Estonian proficient Non-Estonians reach considerably lower occupational status in their first job than Estonians even in case of similar educational level. In general, education is very significant resource that has an effect on youth first job quality.
Lindemann, K.