SCAPEGOATING Meaning and
Definition
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Scapegoating is a term used to describe the act of blaming one individual or a specific group of people for problems, faults, or failures that are beyond their control. It involves singling out a person or a community as a convenient target and assigning them the responsibility for an issue or a negative outcome, even if they are not actually responsible or have minimal involvement.
The concept of scapegoating finds its roots in ancient rituals, where a literal goat was chosen to bear the sins of a community and was then driven away or sacrificed in order to cleanse the group of guilt or wrongdoing. In modern society, however, this term has evolved to describe the social phenomenon of placing blame on individuals or communities to alleviate collective anxiety, preserve power dynamics, or redirect attention away from the actual causes of problems.
Scapegoating often arises from prejudice, stereotypes, or false assumptions, and can have serious consequences for those targeted. It perpetuates discrimination, social division, and injustice, as well as inhibits progress, empathy, and understanding within societies. It can be observed in various contexts, such as politics, workplaces, or even families, where blame is unjustly placed on a person or a group, leading to their ostracization, mistreatment, or other adverse consequences.
In summary, scapegoating is the act of unfairly placing blame on an individual or group, often as a means of avoiding accountability or diverting attention from underlying issues. It is a harmful practice that can have severe repercussions on the targeted individuals or communities, while hindering social cohesion and progress.
Common Misspellings for SCAPEGOATING
Etymology of SCAPEGOATING
The word "scapegoating" has its roots in Biblical symbolism. It is derived from the term "scapegoat", which comes from the Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament of the Bible. In this context, a scapegoat was a goat that was symbolically burdened with the sins of the people and then sent into the wilderness, thus carrying away their guilt.
The English word "scapegoating" emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily influenced by the Jewish Day of Atonement, known as Yom Kippur, and its practices. During Yom Kippur, two goats were chosen, one to be sacrificed on the altar and the other to be designated as a scapegoat. The scapegoat was then symbolically loaded with the sins of the community and driven into the wilderness, effectively absolving the people of their transgressions.
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