the scapegoat mechanism

The scapegoat mechanism is a psychological and social process in which individuals or groups blame another party for problems or negative outcomes, diverting attention from the real causes. This often happens when facing guilt, anxiety, or pressure; by projecting blame onto a scapegoat, the original parties can alleviate their own discomfort or responsibility. This can occur in various contexts, such as families, communities, or nations, where the scapegoat becomes a target for collective frustration or anger, often unfairly, allowing the group to unify against a perceived threat.