Labor market integration of ethnic minorities in Latvia

Hazans, Mihails (2011): Labor market integration of ethnic minorities in Latvia. Published in: Martin Kahanec and Klaus F. Zimmermann (eds.), Ethnic diversity in European labor markets: Challenges and solutions, Cheltenham – Northampton: Edward Elgar (2011): pp. 163-197.

Abstract

This chapter departs by analysis of the labor market situation of minorities over the period of 2002-2009. The unexplained employment and earnings gaps between Latvians and non-Latvians declined during the growth period of 2002-2007 but increased again in the recession years 2008-2009. Minorities in Latvia face different types of labor market barriers, mostly related to Latvian language skills. The chapter proceeds with an overview of public perceptions and attitudes, as well as public policy towards ethnic minorities, followed by an evidence-based analysis of ethnic composition and use of languages at the enterprise level. Despite a lack of successful policymaking, impressive progress in the field of the labor market integration of minorities was achieved in Latvia between 1996 and 2008.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Ethnic gaps, ethnic diversity, labor market segregation, language policy, Latvia.
• Subjects: J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J1 - Demographic Economics > J15 - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants ; Non-labor Discrimination; J - Labor and Demographic Economics > J1 - Demographic Economics > J18 - Public Policy

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