The article substantiates the thesis that any policy is always based on a certain set of ideas and views. This set of ideas is guided by people working in government bodies, and first of all, the heads of these bodies. It is shown that the authorities take steps to develop the parameters of economic development and ensure compliance with these parameters by all elements of the system on the basis of the existing ideology. It is noted that from the point of view of the system approach, the basic elements of the system of economic relations are households. Therefore, the parameters of the “economic relations” system development should characterize the improvement of the condition of each household. It is proved that the existing de facto ideology of enrichment and the corresponding economic policy does not and will not be able to ensure sustainable economic growth, since they are not aimed at ensuring the growth of the well-being of all households. The vector of changes in economic policy is indicated in the case of legislative and institutional consolidation of a new ideology – ​“improving the welfare of all households”. It is shown that such a change in ideology will necessarily entail a demand for scientific justification of the nomenclature and assortment of household needs and the necessary ways to ensure them. On the basis of a systematic approach, a forecast is given of what may happen in the country if these ideological changes are not made.