scapegoatizacj

Scapegoatization, or scapegoating, is the practice of attributing blame for problems or failures to a person or group, often to divert attention from more complex or systemic causes. It appears in politics, media, workplaces, and communities, where a targeted individual or group becomes a convenient focus for collective anger or fear.

The term has roots in ancient rituals and has been developed in social science to describe how societies or groups project guilt onto a marginal figure. The concept is associated with the idea that blaming a scapegoat can restore a sense of order or moral clarity, while avoiding scrutiny of structural factors. The psychologist and anthropologist René Girard is known for theories about the scapegoat mechanism in traditional cultures and its persistence in modern societies as a rhetorical device.

Common patterns involve identifying a vulnerable or socially visible target, presenting them as the source of a problem, using simplified explanations, and mobilizing in group solidarity against the target. Targets are often minorities, immigrants, political opponents, or members of rival organizations. The narrative typically relies on stereotypes, dehumanization, and emotional appeals rather than evidence.

The consequences of scapegoating can be harmful and far reaching. It can erode social trust, legitimize discrimination and harassment, and sometimes lead to violence. While it can produce short term cohesion for an in group, it worsens underlying tensions and obscures systemic causes such as economic inequality, policy failures, or governance flaws. Countermeasures include critical media literacy, transparent communication, inclusive leadership, and addressing root causes rather than assigning blame to a single target.