Consensus theory is concerned with the maintenance or continuation of social order in society.
Consensus theory serves as a sociological argument for the furtherance and preservation of the status quo.
It is antagonistic to 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 an agent of change.