Ideal Culture vs. Real Culture

Attribute	Ideal Culture	Real Culture
Values	High moral standards	Varies among individuals
Beliefs	Shared beliefs and goals	Differing beliefs and perspectives
Behaviors	Altruistic and cooperative	Self-interested and competitive
Norms	Strict adherence to societal norms	Norms may be broken or ignored

Definition

Ideal culture refers to the values, beliefs, and norms that a society aspires to achieve. It represents the perfect or idealized version of how members of a society should behave. Real culture, on the other hand, refers to the actual behavior, values, and norms that exist within a society. It is the way people actually behave in their daily lives, which may not always align with the idealized values of the society.

Characteristics

Ideal culture is often based on the principles of equality, justice, and morality. It promotes virtues such as honesty, integrity, and respect for others. In ideal culture, people are expected to follow societal norms and values, and to strive for the greater good of the community. Real culture, on the other hand, is influenced by factors such as individual beliefs, personal experiences, and social influences. It may involve behaviors that deviate from the idealized values of the society.

Expectations vs. Reality

In ideal culture, there is an expectation that members of society will adhere to certain moral and ethical standards. For example, ideal culture may dictate that people should always tell the truth, be kind to others, and work hard for the betterment of society. However, in real culture, people may not always live up to these expectations. They may lie, cheat, or act in self-serving ways, even if it goes against the values of the ideal culture.

Social Norms

Ideal culture often sets the standard for social norms within a society. It establishes guidelines for acceptable behavior and promotes a sense of unity and cohesion among members of the community. Real culture, on the other hand, may challenge or deviate from these social norms. It reflects the diversity and complexity of human behavior, and may include practices that are not considered acceptable or moral according to the idealized values of the society.

Impact on Society

Ideal culture plays a crucial role in shaping the values and beliefs of a society. It provides a moral compass for individuals and helps to maintain social order and harmony. However, when there is a significant gap between ideal culture and real culture, it can lead to social conflict, inequality, and injustice. It can also create a sense of disillusionment and cynicism among members of society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ideal culture and real culture represent two different aspects of societal values and behaviors. While ideal culture sets the standard for how members of a society should behave, real culture reflects the actual behaviors and values that exist within a society. It is important for societies to strive towards aligning their real culture with their ideal culture in order to promote social cohesion, justice, and equality.