Consensus theory is a social theory that holds that a particular political or economic system is a fair system, and that social change should take place within the social institutions provided by it. Consensus theory contrasts sharply with conflict theory, which holds that social change is only achieved through conflict.
Under consensus theory the absence of conflict is seen as the equilibrium state of society and that there is a general or widespread agreement among all members of a particular society about norms, values, rules and regulations. Consensus theory is concerned with the maintenance or continuation of social order in society.
The consensus theory serves as a sociological argument for the furtherance and preservation of the status quo. It is antagonistic to the conflict theory, which, serves as a sociological argument for modifying the status quo or for its total reversal. In consensus theory, the rules are seen as integrative, and whoever doesn’t respect them is a deviant person. Under conflict theory, the rules are seen as coercive, and who transgresses them is considered oppressive and wrong.
§See also
- Karl Marx
- Émile Durkheim
- Max Weber
- Talcott Parsons
- Robert Merton
- Louis Althusser
- Ralf Dahrendorf
- George Herbert Mead
- Herbert Blumer
- Structural functionalism
- Conservatism
- Consensus reality
