The article analyses, on the one hand, theoretical approaches of Russian scientists to a closer linkage of citizens with the means of production (property), and on the other hand, the real foreign practice of this issue. In recent years, concepts put forward by some domestic scientists have become quite widespread, calling for the division of property of state and private enterprises among citizens in equal shares. This procedure, identified by them with the democratization of property, is seen as a measure that ensures a more efficient functioning of the economy and the maintenance of social peace. The most consistent and thoughtful plan of this kind was presented by a group of supporters of the «solidarity economy» (let’s call them solidarists), which they see as an alternative to both capitalism and socialism. These scholars propose to «solidarizе» all forms of ownership, but mainly and primarily state, across all its forms and levels of subordination (federal, regional, municipal). The result of this operation, supplemented by a number of other proposed sweeping reforms (monetary system, fiscal and budgetary policy, etc.), in their understanding, will promote the solidarity of society. Citizens are expected to be massively and actively involved in the process of disposing of property, which was not the case under socialism. This likely program is compared with attempts to build an «ownership democracy» in the West during privatization and through the practice of transferring shares of private companies to employees (ESOP, etc.), as well as with the experience of functioning of some sovereign wealth funds, primarily the Alaska Permanent Fund. The article expresses doubts about the ability of solidarization to achieve the stated goals.