What term is used to describe the actual behavior and practices within a society?

The term that best describes the actual behavior and practices within a society is "real culture." Real culture refers to the everyday realities of what people in a community actually do, as opposed to the ideals or norms they aspire to uphold. It encompasses the genuine customs, values, and social behaviors that people exhibit in their daily lives.

For example, while a society may idealize certain behaviors—such as treating all individuals equally—real culture may reveal disparities in how various groups are treated due to underlying social dynamics. This concept highlights the difference between what society professes in terms of values and what is actually practiced by individuals within that society.

In contrast, ideal culture refers to the standards and norms that a society desires or promotes, which may not accurately reflect the behaviors practiced by its members. Folkways and mores are also related to cultural norms but focus more on specific types of social norms and behaviors rather than the broader reality of cultural practices.