Which type of theories operate under the assumption that people in society hold common values and beliefs?

Consensus theories are grounded in the belief that members of a society generally share common values and beliefs that promote social cohesion and order. These theories emphasize the importance of societal consensus in maintaining social stability, arguing that crime and deviance are deviations from the social norms that the majority accepts.

In this framework, crime is viewed as a disruption of the collective values that society holds, and the legal system is seen as a mechanism to reinforce these common beliefs. Consensus theories suggest that when individuals adhere to these shared values, society functions smoothly, and when deviations occur, it indicates a breach of that collective understanding.

Other theoretical approaches differ significantly from this perspective. For instance, conflict theories focus on the power struggles between different groups, highlighting the inequalities and tensions within society rather than shared values. Interactionist theories examine the social interactions and meanings that individuals create through their relationships, while constructionist theories emphasize the subjective nature of societal norms and how they are constructed and enforced over time. These frameworks illustrate a more fragmented understanding of social values rather than the cohesive viewpoint presented by consensus theories.