The article reveals the models of collective behavior and the ideology that dominates in public consciousness, generating modern structures of the economy and society in Russia. Shows the “leftism” of society, paternalism as fundamental characteristics that create the institutional structures of Russia. The analysis of the current model of the economy is given and it is shown how it is determined by the standards of collective behavior and “psychological” dominants of society. Other models of the economy (Anglo-Saxon, Chinese, etc.) are discussed, their incompatibility with the standards of collective behavior prevailing in Russian society is revealed. The thesis is put forward that the social market economy (“continental model”) would best meet the needs of Russia, given its traditions, the most important goals facing the country, the most common models of collective behavior that have historical roots, and the prevailing mass ideology. The basic parameters of the social market economy, which enable Russia to move to long-term sustainable development, are discussed.