What role does a 'scapegoat' typically serve in a dysfunctional family?

In the context of a dysfunctional family, the scapegoat serves a specific and significant role as the individual upon whom family tensions and issues are projected. This person often becomes the focus for blame, taking on the responsibility for the family's problems, whether or not they are actually the source of those issues. As a result, the scapegoat absorbs the negative emotions and conflicts of the family, which can serve to distract from the underlying emotional issues that may be occurring.

By designating one member as the scapegoat, the family unit can avoid addressing deeper dysfunctions such as substance abuse, mental health issues, or relational conflicts. This dynamic allows other family members to evade accountability or acknowledgment of their own contributions to the family's turmoil. Consequently, the scapegoat becomes a central figure in keeping the family's dysfunction hidden under the guise of blaming one individual, often leading to further emotional distress for that scapegoat.

In this way, recognizing the role of the scapegoat is critical for understanding family dynamics, particularly in therapeutic settings where healing is needed for both the scapegoat and the family as a whole.