Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

It is human nature for us to try to place blame when something goes wrong. But, for the narcissist and the sociopath, scapegoating is not just a temporary "out", it is a way of life. Dr. Wilcox delivers a forceful and believable argument that scapegoating is part of the socio-evolutionary process and that those with pathological emotional disorders will use scapegoating in any and all circumstances, in which their own behaviors are called into question.

The scapegoat is carefully selected for a variety of reasons and, generally, is blameless or only marginally a participant in a chaotic situation. However, the scapegoat is vulnerable because he, or she, involves him/herself in the emotional issues surrounding the chaotic situation in an attempt to help. Indeed, the scapegoat may actually seek attention and appreciation when being scapegoated for long periods of time, and it is this need for acceptance that continues the process of scapegoating.

The book does get a bit tedious when the author elects to correlate Greek tragedies with the scapegoat phenomenon but, apart from that, it is an effectively-developed and well researched book. It should have general popular appeal, especially to those confused by being caught up in pathological machinations, not of their own making. The author offers suggestions about how and why the involvement may have occurred. Although Dr. Wilcox did not speculate how one could actively avoid becoming a scapegoat, there is an implication that a potential victim should not confront the perpetrators. As it relates to an individual case, if there is no participation by a potential victim, there can be no scapegoat, except in the minds of the perpetrators. If entire groups are targeted, the outcome is less clear.