What does scapegoating involve?

Scapegoating involves directing prejudice and blame toward individuals or groups who are perceived to have less power or influence. This often occurs during times of social stress or conflict when people or groups seek to find a target for their frustrations, fears, or failures. The individuals who become scapegoats are typically not responsible for the problems at hand but are unfairly held accountable as a means of sidestepping the real issues.

In this context, those with little power are made targets because they cannot effectively defend themselves or push back against the accusations being made. Scapegoating can manifest in various forms, including economic hardship, social unrest, or even personal grievances, and results in increased stigmatization and discrimination against the scapegoated groups.

Other options do not accurately reflect the nature of scapegoating. Targeting individuals from privileged groups would not align with the concept, as they usually have the resources and influence to combat prejudice. Promoting reliable media coverage and exploring collective social issues are unrelated concepts, focusing instead on the discourse around accountability, responsibility, and understanding social dynamics rather than the act of blaming a vulnerable group.