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The scapegoat, in Girard’s framework, is typically an individual or group perceived as different, marginal, or weak—someone who can be easily blamed without significant resistance. Historically, this could be a foreigner, a minority, a political dissident, or even a “witch” in certain contexts. The key is that the scapegoat is a symbolic target, chosen not for actual guilt, but because their sacrifice can diffuse collective tension and restore social cohesion. Girard sees this pattern recurring in myths, religious texts, and even modern societal conflicts.

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.