Which concept explains why people might blame an external group for their misfortunes to vent anger?

Which concept explains why people might blame an external group for their misfortunes to vent anger?

• A. Ingroup Bias
• B. Just-World Phenomenon
• C. Scapegoat Theory
• D. Other-Race Effect

Answer: (C)

Scapegoat theory explains why people might blame an external group for their misfortunes to vent anger. When frustration mounts and threats feel real, individuals seek an easy target to displace blame. Blaming a disliked or powerless outgroup provides a way to vent emotions, regain a sense of control, and preserve group identity, even if the group isn’t actually responsible. This coping mechanism turns a complex problem into a simple story of blame. Ingroup bias is about favoring one's own group rather than directing anger at others. The Just-World Phenomenon involves the belief that people get what they deserve, which can lead to blaming victims rather than blaming an external group for collective misfortune. The Other-Race Effect relates to difficulties in recognizing faces from other races and isn’t about blaming groups for misfortune.

Scapegoat theory explains why people might blame an external group for their misfortunes to vent anger. When frustration mounts and threats feel real, individuals seek an easy target to displace blame. Blaming a disliked or powerless outgroup provides a way to vent emotions, regain a sense of control, and preserve group identity, even if the group isn’t actually responsible. This coping mechanism turns a complex problem into a simple story of blame.

Ingroup bias is about favoring one's own group rather than directing anger at others. The Just-World Phenomenon involves the belief that people get what they deserve, which can lead to blaming victims rather than blaming an external group for collective misfortune. The Other-Race Effect relates to difficulties in recognizing faces from other races and isn’t about blaming groups for misfortune.