Scapegoating
What is scapegoating?
Scapegoating happens when we blame an individual or group for a problem they did not cause. This process often emerges in times of stress, uncertainty, or conflict, and serves to deflect responsibility away from those in power or from the group as a whole.
The Basic Idea
The hockey championship came down to a single goal. It had been a tough game throughout, with plenty of missed passes, poor coverage, and a defense that couldn’t keep up. But when the final whistle blew and the loss set in, the blame landed squarely on the goalie. No one mentioned the breakdowns that led to the shot or asked why the offense couldn’t hold possession; it felt easier to assign the loss to one mistake by one person. One missed save and suddenly the team had the reason they needed for why their season came to an end.
Scapegoating is an act by a person or group of people that turns complex failures into simple stories, often at the expense of someone who didn’t cause the problem but just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. It can offer a sense of control or closure, but it usually leaves the real issues unsolved and the wrong person carrying the weight.
The search for a scapegoat is the easiest of all hunting expeditions.
— Dwight D. Eisenhower, former U.S. President1
About the Author
Joy VerPlanck
Dr. VerPlanck brings over two decades of experience helping teams learn and lead in high-stakes environments. With a background in instructional design and behavioral science, she develops practical solutions at the intersection of people and technology. Joy holds a Doctorate in Educational Technology and a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, and often writes about cognitive load and creativity as levers to enhance performance.
