Scapegoating refers to which behavior?

Scapegoating is a psychological and social behavior where an individual or group shifts responsibility or blame for a failure or negative outcome onto another person or group. This behavior often occurs to protect oneself from the consequences of a situation or to avoid facing personal shortcomings. In this context, when someone engages in scapegoating, they are deflecting criticism away from themselves and directing it towards another individual, thus relieving themselves of accountability or guilt.

This behavior can be seen in various contexts, including workplaces, social groups, and even larger societal issues. It serves as a defense mechanism that helps individuals cope with their own perceived failures or inadequacies by projecting those issues onto someone else, rather than addressing them directly.