The article presents a critique of S.G. Kirdina institutional matrices theory according to which “civil society” is an ideologeme of West-European civilization not suitable for Russian society with its dominating X-matrix. An attempt to replace theory of “civil society” by a concept of “civic participation” is also exposed to criticism. Arguments are presented to protect institutions of private property and economic freedom as fundamental factors for the accelerated modernization of traditional X-societies, including the Russian one. The risks associated with the targeted increase of collectivist ideology and restriction of economic freedom in the Russian society are considered.