The Role of the Family Scapegoat in Dysfunctional Families (trigger warning) [View all]
The role of the child who is designated as the family scapegoat in dysfunctional families is to serve as the identified "problem" in the family. Also known as the family's "black sheep," the child who is given this role tends to be the focus of the family. The family can point to the child who is placed in the role as the scapegoat and blame the family's problems on this child, which is the primary reason why families designate a particular child, usually the most vulnerable one, to be in this role.
When the Family Points to the Family Scapegoat, They Divert Attention Away From More Serious Family Problems
More often than not, the family actually has more serious family problems than whatever problems the scapegoated child might have. But by focusing on the child who is in the role of the scapegoat, the family is able to avoid looking at these more serious problems by pointing to this child as the source of their problems.
When young children are placed in this rigid role, they often believe that they're the source of the family's problems. This is a heavy burden to place on a child and, aside from feeling overwhelmed by having this role imposed on him or her, the child often feels hurt, angry and shame.
- See more at: http://psychotherapist-nyc.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-role-of-family-scapegoat-in.html#sthash.i8SmnouB.dpuf
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