propaganda technique

Scapegoating

Also called: Blame shifting

Scapegoating blames a person or group for a complex problem, usually one they did not cause or caused only in part.

How it works

A single, visible culprit is emotionally satisfying and offers a simple solution. It diverts attention from more complex causes and can direct hostility at vulnerable groups.

Examples

"Housing is unaffordable because of newcomers."

Housing costs depend on supply, interest rates, regulation and much more.

"The project failed because of one junior analyst."

Large failures usually have many causes, including decisions made higher up.

How to spot it

One group is blamed for a broad problem.
Other causes are not mentioned.
The blamed group has little power to answer back.

How to respond

Ask what else contributes to the problem.
Ask for evidence of the blamed group's role and its size.
Watch for hostility that outruns the evidence.