Final answer:
Sociologists refer to the norms and values people actually follow as 'real culture', which varies from the 'ideal culture' that represents the societal standards that are officially endorsed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sociologists distinguish between real culture and ideal culture to explore the dynamics of societal norms and values. Real culture encompasses the actual behaviors and practices that people adopt in their daily lives, providing an authentic reflection of societal realities. In contrast, ideal culture comprises the officially endorsed values and norms that a society promotes as desirable.
The gap between real and ideal culture underscores the complexities of human behavior and societal expectations. Within a society, various subcultures may emerge, each with its unique set of norms. Additionally, countercultures may actively reject the dominant culture's values, fostering alternative belief systems. The study of real and ideal culture allows sociologists to analyze the tensions, contradictions, and evolving nature of cultural dynamics within diverse social contexts.