Scapegoating

Definition

Scapegoating is the practice of unfairly blaming an individual or group for problems, misfortunes, or negative events. This behavior often arises during times of crisis, where people seek to identify a source of their suffering, leading to irrational accusations and social divisions. It played a significant role during the spread of the Black Death, as communities looked for someone to blame for the devastation wrought by the plague.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Black Death, scapegoating often targeted marginalized groups such as Jews, who were falsely accused of causing the plague through poison or witchcraft.
2. This phenomenon contributed to widespread violence and persecution, including massacres and expulsions of scapegoated groups in various European cities.
3. Scapegoating served as a coping mechanism for many communities that were struggling to understand the rapid spread and devastating effects of the disease.
4. The fear and uncertainty surrounding the Black Death amplified existing prejudices and social tensions, making scapegoating a common response to the crisis.
5. Scapegoating during the Black Death illustrated how societal fear can distort rational thought and lead to tragic consequences for innocent people.

Review Questions

• How did scapegoating manifest during the Black Death and what groups were primarily targeted?
  • During the Black Death, scapegoating was evident as communities sought someone to blame for the plague's devastation. Marginalized groups, particularly Jews, were frequently targeted, accused of causing the disease through nefarious means. This resulted in violent outbreaks and a significant rise in anti-Semitic sentiments as people looked for external explanations for their suffering rather than understanding the disease's true nature.
• What role did fear and social tension play in facilitating scapegoating during this time?
  • Fear and social tension were crucial factors that fueled scapegoating during the Black Death. As the plague ravaged populations and created widespread panic, communities became desperate for answers and a sense of control. This environment of uncertainty allowed existing prejudices to surface, leading to irrational blame placed on vulnerable groups. The fear of death and loss pushed many to find a target upon which they could project their frustrations, resulting in tragic consequences.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of scapegoating seen during the Black Death on European society in subsequent centuries.
  • The long-term effects of scapegoating during the Black Death had profound implications on European society for centuries afterward. The violent persecution of marginalized groups not only deepened social divides but also established harmful stereotypes that persisted long after the plague ended. These events contributed to a legacy of mistrust between communities, influencing future interactions between different ethnic and religious groups. Furthermore, scapegoating set a precedent for how societies might react in times of crisis, highlighting a recurring tendency to search for convenient targets rather than addressing complex social issues.

Related terms

Bubonic Plague: A highly infectious and deadly disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, transmitted through fleas and responsible for millions of deaths during the Black Death.

Persecution: The systematic mistreatment of an individual or group, often based on their identity, beliefs, or affiliations, which can escalate during societal crises.

Scapegoat Theory: A psychological theory that explains how individuals or groups project their frustrations and grievances onto a vulnerable target, relieving their own feelings of powerlessness.