scapegoat mechanism

The scapegoat mechanism is a psychological process where a group or individual unfairly blames someone or something else for their problems or negative feelings. This act diverts attention from the true cause, allowing the group to relieve tension, guilt, or frustration. It often occurs during conflicts or crises, where projecting blame onto a scapegoat — frequently an innocent person or group — helps maintain social cohesion or emotional stability. Essentially, it's a way for people to simplify complex issues by assigning blame to an individual or entity that becomes a convenient target.