What can result from delegating blame to a scapegoat?

Delegating blame to a scapegoat often leads to the deflection of responsibility from the real issue. This occurs when a group or individual assigns blame to a specific person or entity rather than addressing the underlying problems or circumstances that have contributed to the issue at hand. By focusing on a scapegoat, the group can avoid confronting the more complex or uncomfortable truths about the situation, which may include systemic failures or internal conflicts.

This process can create a false sense of resolution, as the real issues remain unaddressed and potentially unresolved, leading to future conflicts or continued problems. Understanding this concept is crucial in social psychology because it highlights how individuals and groups can utilize scapegoating as a coping mechanism, ultimately impacting group dynamics, responsibility, and problem-solving.