What does scapegoating refer to in social psychology?

Scapegoating is a psychological phenomenon where individuals or groups are unfairly blamed for problems or negative events that they did not cause. This reaction often occurs in a social context where a difficult situation or failure prompts a need to identify a source of frustration or anger. By targeting a scapegoat, individuals can redirect their feelings of helplessness, anxiety, or dissatisfaction onto a more vulnerable party. This process can serve to reinforce in-group solidarity while perpetuating prejudice and discrimination against the scapegoated individuals or groups.

In contrast, the other choices refer to specific forms of bias or discrimination. Discrimination based on race is a broader social issue that involves unfair treatment due to racial differences, while negative attitudes towards the elderly focus specifically on age-related biases. Judgments based on stereotypes entail making assumptions about individuals based on generalized beliefs rather than personal characteristics, which is different from the act of assigning blame that defines scapegoating. Therefore, the essence of scapegoating directly aligns with the act of blaming a person or group for a negative outcome, clarifying why this response accurately captures the meaning of the concept within social psychology.