Final answer:
Scapegoating is a phenomenon in which the dominant group displaces its unfocused aggression onto a subordinate group and blames them for societal or personal problems. This contributes to the development of prejudices by reinforcing negative stereotypes and leading to biased treatment and exclusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scapegoating is a phenomenon in which the dominant group displaces its unfocused aggression onto a subordinate group. This is often done by blaming the subordinate group for societal or personal problems. A well-known example of scapegoating is how Adolf Hitler scapegoated the Jewish population for Germany's issues.
In the United States, immigrants have frequently been targeted as scapegoats for the nation's problems. Scapegoating contributes to the development of prejudices as it reinforces negative stereotypes about the subordinate group, leading to biased treatment and exclusion.