Which form of antisemitic prejudice involves blaming Jews for a society's problems?

• A. Dehumanization
• B. Stereotyping
• C. Conspiracy theories
• D. Scapegoating

Answer: (D)

Blaming a group for society’s problems is scapegoating. This form of prejudice targets Jews as the cause of complex or widespread difficulties, using them as a convenient explanation for issues like economic trouble or social unrest. Scapegoating focuses on assigning responsibility to the group, often to divert attention from real, multifaceted causes. It differs from dehumanization, which strips a group of humanity; from stereotyping, which relies on broad, fixed beliefs about the group; and from conspiracy theories, which claim secret plots by the group. In antisemitism, scapegoating has historically been used to unite a community by directing fear and frustration toward Jews, making discrimination or worse seem like a justified response.