Narcissists can indeed try to turn others against a scapegoat, including the scapegoat child in a family dynamic. This manipulation tactic is known as "triangulation," where the narcissist creates a triangle of conflict, pitting one person against another. They do this to maintain control, shift blame away from themselves, and maintain the illusion of their own superiority.
There are a few reasons why narcissists might be successful in turning others against the scapegoat:
Charisma and charm: Narcissists often have charming and persuasive personalities. They can use their charisma to influence and manipulate others, making it easier for them to shape perceptions and opinions.
Emotional manipulation: Narcissists are skilled emotional manipulators. They can exploit people's vulnerabilities, insecurities, and fears to create a sense of loyalty and dependency.
Gaslighting: Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic where the narcissist distorts reality and makes the scapegoat doubt their own perception of events. This can make others doubt the credibility of the scapegoat's side of the story.
Projection: Narcissists often project their negative traits and behaviors onto others, including the scapegoat. They may paint the scapegoat as the "problem" and deflect attention from their own shortcomings.
Divide and conquer: By turning people against the scapegoat, the narcissist isolates the scapegoat and reduces their support network, making them more vulnerable to further manipulation.
Enabling or codependent dynamics: Some individuals may be more susceptible to being manipulated by a narcissist due to their own psychological issues, such as codependency or a need for approval.
Regarding collective narcissism, it refers to an inflated belief in the greatness of one's group (e.g., nation, ethnic or social group) and a sense of entitlement to special treatment or recognition. While collective narcissism can influence group dynamics, it's not directly related to the tactics used by individual narcissists to scapegoat others.
It's essential to remember that the scapegoating and manipulation tactics employed by narcissists are harmful and emotionally abusive. If you or someone you know is experiencing this type of toxic behavior, seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be crucial to understanding and breaking free from the cycle of manipulation and abuse.