Entrepreneurship Potential of Former Male Convicts. The Case of Estonia

Abstract

(Re)integration of persons who have been detached from the labor market is an ongoing tackle in all EU countries. With free movement policies of labor forces, the problems also extend across the borders. One of the groups who (re)enters the labor market with restricted opportunities consists of the released felons. The new EU member states with soviet background carry historic and cultural traits that still affect government-level policies, including imprisonment. Limitations in finding a sustainability-supporting employment might be one of the factors contributing to extremely high recidivism in Eastern European region. Could becoming an entrepreneur be one of the alternatives to domestic employment and is it in reality an option for the released? This article is dedicated to discussion of some work-related aspects with regard to convicts’ preparedness for the option of an entrepreneurial activity after release in Estonia.