Émile Durkheim's theory of religion offers the most comprehensive and universal understanding of scapegoating as a process linked to the religious and legal phenomena of expiation, sacrifice, and responsibility. When a peculiar event occurs that causes fear, anxiety, or other distressing emotions, responsibility and punishment are aimed at someone, something, or a group as expiation for the perceived pain and suffering. The object of scapegoating is not objectively responsible as much as responsibility falls upon them.