The Duration of Unemployment in Russia1

This paper uses the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) to assess factors affecting the duration of unemployment and underemployment in Russia between 1994 and 1996. We examine four types of marginalised labour force participants, according to ILO guidelines and to responses from the RLMS questionnaire. We estimate duration models using non-parametric and parametric estimation techniques. Those who have completed higher education are found to have relatively short durations of unemployment and underemployment, regardless of previous job type. Married females appear to have relatively long workless periods. The amount of long-term unemployment amongst the jobless is large and growing over the sample period. JEL codes: J61, P20, R23