Conversation Timeline

René Girard’s concept of the scapegoat revolves around the idea of mimetic desire and the resulting social conflicts. When desires converge on the same object, rivalry and violence ensue. To restore order, societies often single out a scapegoat—an individual or group blamed for the chaos. The scapegoat’s expulsion or sacrifice creates a temporary sense of unity and peace. Girard argues this mechanism underpins many cultural and religious rituals, masking the violence inherent in human societies. Key works: Violence and the Sacred, The Scapegoat.