The term gaslighting originated in the streets of London in the 19th century, when the gaslighting in the city was not evenly distributed, but concentrated at certain important junctions and intersections. These areas are generally relatively safe due to adequate lighting, while those far away from these areas are relatively unsafe and have a higher crime rate. As a result, people began to associate the distribution of crime rates with the distribution of gaslighting, forming the concept of the "gaslighting effect".
Gaslighting involves an uneven distribution of resources or opportunities, and this inequality can be caused by a variety of factors, including economy, social status, race, gender, etc. Some populations may have access to more resources and opportunities due to their environmental or social conditions, while others face a lack of resources and limited opportunities.
Gaslighting manipulation has had a profound impact on individuals and societies:
1.Inequities in social structures and institutions: Inequities in social structures and institutions often lead to uneven distribution of resources. For example, racial discrimination, sexism, class divisions and other phenomena can affect individual opportunities and access to resources, thus exacerbating the gaslighting effect.
2.Psychocognitive biases: Psychocognitive biases in individuals can also affect their perception and response to inequities in their environment. For example, confirmation bias and attribution bias can make individuals more likely to accept inequities in their environment and attribute them to an individual's lack of ability or effort, rather than external factors.
3.Cultural traditions and social expectations: Certain cultural traditions and social expectations may reinforce the gaslighting effect. For example, some societies have higher expectations of men, believing that men are better suited for certain professions or fields, and this bias can lead to women being limited by resources and opportunities in these fields.
4.Education: In some areas, the uneven distribution of educational resources has led to some schools having better teachers, teaching facilities and curriculum resources, while others are facing problems such as poor teaching conditions and lack of teachers. This inequity in educational resources often affects students' academic performance and future development opportunities.
5.Workplace: In the workplace, gender discrimination and racial discrimination can lead to more career opportunities and promotion opportunities for some groups, while others face occupational discrimination and employment challenges. This inequity affects an individual's career development and job satisfaction.