Why Do Men Hate Astrology?

Isabelle Shaw

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There’s certainly a gender divide when it comes to people who know their star sign. Patriarchal beliefs,  perpetuated by social media, could explain why women are bigger fans of astrology.

Recently, the gender gap has closed a little when it comes to astrology, with 20 per cent of men now stating that they believe in the phenomenon. For women, the number is significantly higher. However, the difference has softened since 2005, when over twice as many women than men believed in astrology. Some believe that male loneliness is one of the biggest factors driving an increased male interest in horoscopes. Regardless, astrology is still much more popular among women.

Why do men hate on astrology, and has social media furthered the divide? Sexism could be a major factor behind the gender gap, as star signs are typically catered towards women. Like Twilight, vegetarianism, and the colour pink, some men automatically dismiss feminine interests as stupid and worthless.

A Surprisingly Scientific History of Astrology

The Westernisation of horoscopes and miseducation surrounding astrology has neglected the practice’s deep-rooted history in Asia. Many men reject astrology because it is widely viewed as a pseudoscience; since it cannot be tested and proven, like empirical sciences, it must be inaccurate, even a hindrance to other scientific fields. The mathematical calculations involved in astronomy are highly valued, while the spirituality of astrology is not.

“Astrology was historically practised by men, as a science”

But this is a very Eurocentric understanding of the practice, which neglects alternative scientific methods around the world. The preference for astronomy over astrology is incredibly short-sighted, ignoring how the two are irrevocably intertwined in other cultures.

In Medieval Central Asia, astrology actually aided astronomical studies. Scientists used astrological calculations from Babylonian times to help develop the astrolabe, an astronomical instrument dating back to ancient times. In contrast to today, astrology was historically practised by men, as a science.

Regaining Control of Our Lives

Men may feel that horoscopes are restrictive because they require hard determinism: loosely, the philosophical position that everything is predetermined, and that free will cannot exist.

The idea that individual’s personalities, even their entire lives, are dependent on their date of birth can feel very limiting. A negative consequence of believing in astrology is that we might feel unable to change the things we dislike about ourselves and our lives.

Astrology can create a sense that life is beyond our control. Men, who are more likely to believe in free will and that they have control over their lives, might dislike the idea that an external force has power over them. Some may reject astrology because it suggests they have less free will. This goes against the ideology that men can get whatever they want, as long as they’re prepared to work for it. Perpetuated by male influencers, like Andrew Tate, this belief is highly patriarchal.

The Empowering Nature of Horoscopes

In contrast, women may feel a lack of control over their circumstances and choices because they live in a patriarchal system. So, it can be liberating for women to believe that there is a powerful force, beyond the trappings of society, steering them in the right direction. Women often see astrology as a way to reclaim control over their own destiny, in a world where their fate is often determined by patriarchal structures.

“It’s no different than practising yoga, journaling, or meditating”

Social media often ignores the complicated implications of horoscopes for determinism. Instead, there’s a focus on the role star signs play in our thought patterns, behaviours, and compatibility in relationships.

However, many professional astrologists focus on taking hold of your destiny, rather than letting the actions run their course. Astrology is often used as a means of self-reflection and improvement. In this way, it’s no different than practising yoga, journaling, or meditating.

Star signs might not be completely representative of the person you are or who you want to become — of course, not every Cancer is overly emotional and not every Scorpio is selfish. But analysing the traits associated with your star sign can help you identify who you are and who you want to be. If you feel inclined to outright reject the suggestion that you’re an emotional or self-focused person, it might be worthwhile to consider why.

Fragile Masculinity

The hatred directed towards astrology is a prime example of how patriarchy can negatively impact men.

Toxic masculinity is a product of patriarchy, which can be internalised by men from an early age. It refers to traits of hegemonic masculinity, such as self-reliance and emotional repression, and how they result in socially destructive behaviours amongst men, often at the detriment of women.

But men can also be victims of toxic masculinity. They may feel stigmatised if they express their emotions. Loneliness, difficulties forming relationships, and the pressure to conform are all struggles men experience due to toxic masculinity.

“Where women see a chance to improve or change, men may simply see criticism”

Birth charts expose men to the idea that they too are “emotionally complex”, which they may outright reject due to the misguided but widely-perpetuated assumption that women are more emotional. The pressure to be dominant and self-reliant causes many men to reject perceived imperfections that can be highlighted by horoscopes. Where women see a chance to improve or change, men may simply see criticism.

Patriarchy also upholds the idea that men should improve themselves physically, rather than emotionally or physically. Studies show that men prioritise goals related to physical health, such as improved diet and fitness, while women prioritise mental health. Women are also more likely to set goals for the upcoming year than men, which points to a gender gap when it comes to self-improvement.

https://www.tiktok.com/@hina/video/7075104594610736427

Why do Men on TikTok Hate Astrology?

Astrology is typically portrayed as feminine by the media. Product advertisements, such as Zodiac make-up palettes, further promote the link between astrology and femininity. For men who hold toxic masculine beliefs, these feminine interests are dismissed — not just as undesirable, but as stupid or unimportant.

On social media platforms like TikTok, the majority of astrological content is produced by women and non-binary people. Toxic masculinity suggests that women are not reliable sources of knowledge and that their interests are inferior. As a result, the circulation of unwarranted TikTok’s of men hating on astrology and criticising women for their astrological beliefs is becoming increasingly common. These videos feed into the cycle, suggesting astrology is only for women, that liking the same things as women is inherently bad and driving men away from AstrologyTok.

In gendering astrology, we inevitably gender emotions. Many men believe that astrology focuses on emotional states, including emotional instability, and associate this with women. They also label in-depth analysis of emotions as negative or meaningless, only further feeding toxic masculinity.

Above all else, men being angered by a simple joke about horoscopes demonstrates an innate hatred of women’s hobbies and interests. Is it really that upsetting?

Maybe, if you’re a Taurus.

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Featured image courtesy of Ouassima Issrae via Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.