What is the primary emotion often underlying scapegoating in social conflicts?

Fear is the primary emotion often underlying scapegoating in social conflicts because it can drive individuals or groups to seek a target for their anxiety or unease. When people perceive a threat or feel insecure, they may project their fears onto others, attributing blame and creating a 'scapegoat.' This mechanism serves as a coping strategy to manage their fear, as it allows them to externalize their feelings rather than addressing the underlying issues directly.

In times of social unrest or conflict, fear can manifest in various forms, including the fear of losing control, the fear of the unknown, or the fear of being judged by others. By focusing their anxiety on a particular individual or group, people may feel a temporary sense of relief or a way to unify against a common 'enemy,' even if that target is unjustified.

While other emotions like confusion, hostility, and resentment can play roles in social conflicts, it is fear that most fundamentally drives the process of scapegoating, as it directly influences individuals' behavior and decision-making during times of stress or uncertainty.