Avoid Being A Scapegoat: What Is Scapegoating And Why Is It Harmful

Scapegoating is a tactic that may be used in various forms within relationships, family dynamics, and even political conflicts, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The term scapegoat refers to an act of redirecting the responsibility or blame for something to a person or group that isn't actually at fault, typically to deflect blame from the actual person or party responsible. The negative effects of scapegoating can be significant, from damaging a person's self-esteem to harming relationships and causing intergroup conflict and prejudice within society, social groups, or communities.

Here, we’ll explore what scapegoating is and how it can be harmful.

Why people scapegoat others

Understanding why some individuals engage in scapegoating can help those affected by it make sense of their experiences and begin to heal. Scapegoating is often rooted in defense mechanisms, which are psychological strategies the mind uses to protect itself from uncomfortable emotions like shame or guilt. While these mechanisms can serve a protective function, they may cause significant harm to others when they involve redirecting blame onto an innocent person or group.

People may scapegoat others for a variety of reasons, ranging from individual psychological patterns to broader social and economic pressures. In some cases, scapegoating may be associated with certain personality patterns, including traits linked to narcissistic personality disorder or other conditions that affect how a person manages emotions and relationships. Of course, scapegoating is not limited to individuals with diagnosed personality disorders. It can occur in anyone who struggles with taking responsibility for their actions or regulating difficult emotions. 

Narcissism and scapegoating

Scapegoating is a practice commonly employed by people who display traits of narcissism, often taking the form of bullying. In cases like these, the person may be even more aggressive about the behavior in an attempt to make the other person feel small or powerless. This reaction is typical because the narcissist’s self-esteem or self-image has been threatened by the consequences of their behavior, which can be triggering since research shows that low self-worth is common among people with narcissistic tendencies. As a result, the individual may lash out against another, seeking a scapegoat to bear the sins of their wrong actions.

Emotional regulation and deflecting responsibility

One of the most common reasons people scapegoat others is to avoid confronting their own feelings of shame, guilt, or inadequacy. When a person experiences failure or makes a mistake, the resulting emotions can feel overwhelming. Rather than sitting with these uncomfortable feelings and processing them, some individuals may deflect blame onto someone else as a way to protect their self-image.

This tendency to externalize responsibility often develops early in life, particularly in environments where mistakes are met with harsh criticism or punishment. A child who learns that admitting fault leads to rejection or ridicule may grow into an adult who struggles to take accountability. Over time, this pattern can become almost automatic.

Chronic stress and perceived threats

Chronic stress can also increase the likelihood of scapegoating behavior. When individuals or communities face prolonged periods of uncertainty from things like economic collapse, political unrest, health crises, or social upheaval, they may look for someone to blame as a way to regain a sense of control. Identifying a scapegoat can provide a temporary outlet for frustration and fear, even when the target has no actual connection to the source of the stress.

Sometimes, when individuals perceive threats to their safety, livelihood, status, or resources, they may become more likely to view others with suspicion or hostility. This can lead to scapegoating, which may feel logical, even though it does nothing to address the underlying problems. Recognizing the role that daily and chronic stress can play in scapegoating can be an important first step toward developing healthier coping strategies and reducing the harm to others.

Scapegoating at the group and societal level

While scapegoating often occurs between individuals, it can also take place on a much larger scale. When entire groups or communities engage in scapegoating, the consequences can be far-reaching and deeply harmful. Societal scapegoating typically involves blaming a specific group for complex problems that have multiple causes. A brief look at history will show many historical instances where scapegoating contributed to widespread injustice and suffering.

In-group and out-group dynamics

Social psychologists have long studied the tendency for people to divide the world into “us” and “them.” This in-group and out-group thinking can contribute to scapegoating when group members favor members who are similar to themselves while viewing those in the out-group with suspicion or hostility. When problems arise within a community, it may feel easier to blame an out-group rather than examine internal issues or accept shared responsibility. This dynamic can be more pronounced when resources are scarce or when group members feel their identity or values are under threat. By directing their frustration outward, the group may temporarily strengthen its internal bonds, but this comes at the cost of harming innocent people who have been unfairly targeted.

Political and social scapegoating

Political leaders and public figures can play a significant role in promoting or discouraging scapegoating. Throughout history, some leaders have used scapegoating as a strategy to consolidate power and unite their followers against a common enemy. By blaming an entire group for societal problems, these leaders can influence public opinion and direct collective anger toward convenient targets rather than addressing the root causes.

Historical and cultural examples of scapegoating

Examining historical examples of scapegoating can provide important context for understanding how this behavior operates and the serious consequences it can have. Here are some historical and cultural examples of scapegoating:

• Nazi Germany and the Holocaust: In the events preceding World War II, the Nazi regime in Germany used widespread propaganda to blame Jewish people for the problems occurring in Germany.
• The Salem Witch Trials: In the late 1600s, the people of Salem experienced a lot of internal, external, and religious pressure to rid their community of witchcraft, leading to the persecution of many innocent people, mostly women.
• COVID-19 Pandemic: Many minorities and specific nationalities around the world were targeted and blamed for the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Scapegoating during social and economic crises

Periods of social and economic crisis have frequently been accompanied by increased scapegoating. During times of economic collapse, war, pandemics, or any situation that may have caused widespread fear, communities sometimes look for someone or a certain group to hold responsible for their suffering. Certain groups, often marginalized or somehow visibly different than the majority, can become targets of blame, even when they have no connection to the crisis at hand. Immigrants are one group that has been continually targeted and blamed for job losses, crime, and resource scarcity, despite overwhelming evidence that these issues are caused by broader systemic factors.

Antisemitism and scapegoating

One of the most devastating historical examples of scapegoating is the persecution of Jewish communities throughout history, culminating in the Holocaust during World War II. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime systematically blamed the Jewish community for Germany’s economic struggles and social problems, using propaganda to dehumanize an entire population and justify horrific violence. This historical example shows how scapegoating can escalate from a prejudiced attitude to organized persecution when left unchallenged. It also demonstrates the importance of education, critical thinking, the freedom of information, and standing against discrimination in all its forms. Understanding this history may help prevent similar patterns from recurring.

Scapegoating in literature and theory

The concept of scapegoating has been explored extensively by scholars across multiple disciplines. Literary theorist René Girard, for instance, developed an influential theory of the scapegoat mechanism called “mimetic theory,” which argues that societies have historically used scapegoating as a way to resolve internal conflict and create community cohesion.  His work has been featured in many places, including an international journal and online forums, and suggests that scapegoating serves a function in group dynamics, though one that comes at a tremendous cost.

Literature also provides many examples of scapegoating, from ancient myths to modern novels. Stories like “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, and even Disney’s The Lion King all use the scapegoat mechanism as a storytelling device. 

Scapegoating in families and relationships

Scapegoating is also common in families and relationships, where participants engage in conflict and assign blame to a chosen "goat." Over time, this repeated behavior can lead to trauma from emotional isolation and dangerous behaviors like self-harm. Later in life, it can manifest as a tendency to normalize dysfunction and difficulty setting boundaries with others.

The family scapegoat role

In some families, one member may be assigned the role of family scapegoat. This family member is often a child, and they become the target of blame for the family’s problems, absorbing criticism and punishment that may rightfully belong elsewhere. The family scapegoat role can develop for many different reasons, including:

• Family dynamics
• Neurodivergence
• Birth order
• Personality differences
• Independence
• Sensitivity
• Vulnerability
• Lack of power

Growing up as the family scapegoat can have lasting effects on a person’s sense of self-worth. Children who are repeatedly blamed for things beyond their control may internalize the message that they are fundamentally flawed or unlovable. These beliefs can persist well past childhood and affect them in many ways. If you recognize yourself in this description, working with a therapist may help you challenge these internalized beliefs and develop a healthier self-image.

Scapegoating in romantic relationships

Scapegoating can also occur within romantic relationships, where one partner may consistently deflect blame onto the other to avoid taking responsibility for their own behavior. This pattern can affect many aspects of the relationship and cause irreparable emotional harm to the individual being scapegoated.

Potential consequences of scapegoating or being scapegoated

Scapegoating comes with several possible consequences for all parties involved, ranging from short-term personal consequences to long-term mental, emotional, and physical consequences. 

Psychological effects on the scapegoat

Scapegoating is a destructive behavior that can have long-term psychological effects on both parties involved. For the target of this behavior, feelings of worthlessness, guilt, isolation, and even conditions like depression and/or anxiety can arise. They may also begin to doubt themselves since the other person is typically denying their experiences, or making them feel as though they are not worth listening to.

Psychological effects on the perpetrator

The perpetrator of the scapegoating may also experience psychological distress due to their behavior. They may feel guilty or ashamed of their actions, which can lead to depression and/or anxiety. These feelings can also trigger a cycle of negative behaviors, further perpetuating the scapegoating.

A World Psychiatry study found that narcissistic traits significantly correlate with the denial of autonomy in romantic partners, which is typically not a healthy dynamic for any type of relationship.

How to recognize scapegoating behavior

Whether you are the target of scapegoating, the person engaging in it, or an observer, recognizing it is the first step toward addressing it. They can be subtle or more overt, so you should learn to look for the signs:

• Constant blame and shaming of an individual
• Repeated isolation and alienation of a specific individual
• Gaslighting or distorting reality to fit a certain narrative
• No recognition of accomplishments or success
• Unexpected hostility
• Excessive caution when speaking to or being around an individual

Common discursive strategies used in scapegoating

People who engage in scapegoating often use specific language patterns and discursive strategies to shift blame and deflect attention from themselves. They may use generalizations like “You always…” or “You never…”, rewriting history to cast themselves in a better light. They may use emotionally charged language to put the other person on the defensive. They may talk over the target, dismiss their perspective without giving it much thought, or bring up past mistakes to distract from the current issue. These language patterns aren’t always easy to recognize, but if you pay close attention, knowing them can be useful in identifying whether you’re in a situation that involves scapegoating.

Warning signs in groups and institutions

Scapegoating within groups or institutions may be harder to recognize, especially when it has become normalized over time. Warning signs may include a pattern of blaming the same person or group of people for recurring problems, targeting a specific group with unwarranted suspicion, a lack of accountability for those in power, or a resistance to examining systemic issues that may be at play. When an individual or group becomes a convenient target for the frustrations of an entire group, it can create a toxic environment where real problems remain unaddressed. If you notice these dynamics in a workplace, community, friend group, or any other group setting, it may be worth discussing.

How to stop scapegoating and take responsibility

There are many ways to take responsibility and put a stop to scapegoating. It requires a level of situational and self-awareness that isn’t always easy to actualize. For many, putting a stop to scapegoating starts with recognizing your own feelings and emotional triggers and learning how to deal with uncomfortable feelings rather than deflecting them onto others. This can have a positive impact on an individual’s self-worth.

That said, this goes well beyond the individual. On a broader level, reducing scapegoating requires promoting empathy and shared responsibility within social groups. This may require open dialogues, challenging unfair blame when it’s recognized, speaking to those who look up to you to make better decisions, and modeling a behavior that others can follow. This is especially important for those within a social group who have power or influence.

Tips for standing up to scapegoating

If you find yourself in a situation where someone is attempting to use scapegoating tactics, it’s usually most important to prioritize your mental health. If addressing the topic and stating your needs calmly doesn’t work, it may be worth considering whether the relationship is healthy for you to be in. If the person responds with anger or aggression, keep yourself safe.

Steps scapegoats can take to protect themselves

• Speak up calmly and assertively: Effective communication can help you make your needs known constructively and respectfully. Since scapegoating is often a subconscious defense mechanism, the individual may not realize what happened. However, be aware that bringing it to their attention may be met with defensiveness instead of acceptance at first.
• Practice self-compassion: Scapegoating behaviors can affect the way you view yourself and your worth. Research correlates the practice of self-compassion with emotional resilience. Practicing self-kindness can help you remind yourself that you’re valuable and worthy of love even when you’ve been the recipient of harmful and unfair behaviors.
• Cultivate strong social support: Research has shown that having friends and loved ones you can lean on is associated with better-reported physical health and lower risks of certain mental and physical health problems. A trusted friend, for instance, may be able to offer the support you need to take action against this behavior and heal.

Considering therapy to heal from scapegoating behaviors

As mentioned previously, scapegoating can negatively impact all parties. Whether you’re realizing you’ve engaged in this behavior or you’ve been on the receiving end of it, you may be feeling guilt, shame, experiencing low self-esteem, or having trouble making sense of the situation. If so, it may be helpful to seek the support of a therapist. They can offer you a safe space where you can evaluate your feelings about the situation and begin to heal.

Research suggests that various types of therapy can be effectively administered in person or online in many cases. If you'd feel more comfortable meeting with a mental health professional virtually than in an office, there are online therapy options available. 

Heal from being scapegoated through online therapy

A platform like BetterHelp, for instance, can match you with a licensed provider who suits your needs and preferences, and you can speak with them via phone, video call, and/or online chat. Regardless of the format you may choose, therapy is one option to consider if you’re looking to heal from the wilderness of scapegoating behaviors. A skilled therapist can help you overcome toxic family behaviors and address the mental health impact of being a scapegoat of the family.

Addressing scapegoating patterns in yourself

If you recognize that you have engaged in scapegoating, it can be helpful to explore the aspects of your life and history that may have contributed to this pattern. Reflecting on how your early experiences, relationships with those who had influence over you, and coping strategies have shaped your behavior can provide valuable insight. You may also want to work with a therapist, who can help you understand the underlying factors that influence your behavior and help you develop healthier ways of managing difficult emotions.