Scapegoat theory fails on at least seven distinct empirical and logical grounds

Evidence

(1) Frustration does not always lead to aggression … (2) Aggression is not always displaced [but rather is more likely to be directed at the true source of frustration] … (3) Displacement does not … actually relieve the feeling of frustration [because it does not address frustration’s underlying causes] … (4) The theory says nothing concerning the choice of scapegoats … (5) It is not true that a defenseless minority is always chosen for displacement purposes [powerful groups are sometimes blamed] … (6) Available evidence does not indicate that the displacement tendency is any more common among people high in prejudice than among those low in prejudice … (7) Finally, the theory itself overlooks the possibility of realistic social conflict. (1954/1979, pp. 350-1) In the decades following Allport’s book, progress addressing the problems listed above was slow in coming, but recent theoretical advances are beginning to suggest resolutions. — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1571

Categorization

• QUESTION: Allport’s own demolition of displacement theory — especially that displacement is no more common among the highly prejudiced, and that realistic conflict is ignored. Valuable as the canonical critique to hold later contact-theory claims against.
• corroborated: 3 independent passages support this claim — , Rudman, Laurie A - On the Nature of…, 1571