Final answer:
An ideal type is a concept used in sociology to represent an abstract or idealized version of a social phenomenon.
Step-by-step explanation:
A "pure type" constructed by emphasizing certain traits of a social item that do not necessarily exist in reality is an ideal type. This concept is often used in sociology to create a theoretical framework or model that represents an abstract or idealized version of a social phenomenon. For example, the idea of a perfect democracy or a perfectly competitive market are ideal types that help us understand real-world social and economic systems.