Scapegoating

Definition

Scapegoating is the practice of unfairly blaming a person or group for problems, often as a way to deflect responsibility from oneself or another party. This social phenomenon has been particularly evident during crises, where fear and uncertainty lead communities to seek someone to blame, allowing them to rationalize their suffering or hardship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the spread of the plague in Europe, marginalized groups such as Jews and lepers were often scapegoated and blamed for the outbreak, leading to violence and persecution.
2. Scapegoating was used as a coping mechanism by communities to deal with the chaos and fear surrounding the plague, allowing them to project their anxieties onto those they viewed as 'others'.
3. The phenomenon of scapegoating can lead to long-lasting societal divisions and injustices, as communities may create myths or narratives that justify their blame of certain groups.
4. Religious leaders sometimes exploited scapegoating by encouraging followers to blame external groups, enhancing their control over congregations during the turmoil of the plague.
5. The aftermath of scapegoating during crises like the plague resulted in social and cultural shifts, prompting debates about responsibility, morality, and human suffering.

Review Questions

• How did scapegoating manifest in European societies during the spread of the plague, and what were some common groups that were targeted?
  • During the spread of the plague, scapegoating manifested in European societies as communities sought to explain their suffering by blaming specific groups. Jews were among the most commonly targeted, facing violent attacks and expulsions due to unfounded accusations that they had poisoned wells or caused the plague. This pattern also extended to other marginalized groups, including lepers and outsiders, reflecting a broader trend of fear-driven irrationality that flourished amid widespread devastation.
• Analyze the impact of scapegoating on social cohesion in European communities during times of crisis like the plague.
  • Scapegoating significantly undermined social cohesion in European communities during crises such as the plague. By directing blame towards certain individuals or groups, communities became divided, often leading to increased violence and intolerance. This breakdown in unity not only exacerbated tensions but also distracted from collective efforts to address the actual causes of suffering and to find solutions, further deepening societal rifts in an already chaotic environment.
• Evaluate how scapegoating during the plague influenced religious responses and cultural narratives that emerged in Europe.
  • Scapegoating during the plague influenced religious responses by prompting leaders to encourage blame against outsiders as a way to consolidate power and maintain control over followers. This practice often resulted in cultural narratives that justified violence against scapegoated groups while reinforcing communal identity. The intertwining of religion with these narratives shaped post-plague society by entrenching prejudices and fostering an atmosphere where irrational fears could flourish unchecked, leaving a lasting impact on European culture and intergroup relations.

Related terms

Persecution: The systematic mistreatment of an individual or group, often based on race, religion, or political beliefs, frequently fueled by scapegoating.

Bubonic Plague: A highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which led to the Black Death in Europe and contributed to widespread fear and scapegoating during the pandemic.

Culprit: A person or group considered responsible for a crime or wrongdoing, often becoming a target for scapegoating during times of crisis.