Which approach would be most concerned with the agreement among societal members regarding norms?

The consensus theories approach primarily focuses on the idea that social order is maintained through a general agreement among members of society regarding shared norms and values. This approach posits that a collective conscience binds individuals, promoting social cohesion and stability. Consensus theorists argue that laws and norms reflect the interests and values of the majority, and societal agreement helps to maintain social control.

In this framework, crime is viewed as a violation of those collective norms, making the enforcement of laws and the punishment of offenders a way to reaffirm societal values and reinforce solidarity. The emphasis on shared beliefs and values is fundamental to understanding how social norms facilitate group cohesion and maintain order within society.

In contrast, the other theoretical perspectives typically emphasize different dynamics, such as power struggles, individual choices, or rational calculations, rather than the overarching agreement on norms that consensus theories highlight.