நமது முன்னேற்றத்தை நம்மால் கணிக்க முடியுமா? சுயக் கட்டுப்பாட்டு உணர்வின் பங்கும் ஜோதிட நம்பிக்கைகளின் உளவியல், சமூக, பொருளாதார தாக்கங்களும்: ஓர் ஆழமான ஆய்வு

Can We Predict Our Progress? The Role of Self-Control and the Psychological, Social, and Economic Impacts of Astrological Beliefs: An In-Depth Study

Abstract

Today's global scientific and technological advancements have made human lifestyles much simpler and ultra-modern.1 However, on the other hand, traditional and fatalistic beliefs such as horoscopes, astrology, and rituals continue to be deeply rooted and growing among the people.1 The primary objective of this paper is to examine whether humans can predict their future progress through their own hard work and planning, or if they must rely solely on fate and the movements of the planets.

To this end, psychologist Julian Rotter's 'Locus of Control' theory and Albert Bandura's 'Self-efficacy' theory are utilized as analytical tools.2 Furthermore, various modern socio-psychological studies are discussed here, such as the recently observed negative correlation in India between professional mental health help-seeking attitudes and astrological beliefs5, as well as how literacy and cognitive levels determine belief in astrology.6 In addition, studies on savings behavior by Cobb-Clark (2016) and the economic role of the locus of control in financial management are described in detail.

The strength of the Internal Locus of Control is established through the intellectual identity markers of Tamil society: Kaniyan Pungundranar's Purananuru philosophy ("Thidum Nandrum Pirarthara Vaara" — Good and evil do not come from others)9, Thiruvalluvar's Aalvinaiyudaimai (The power of manly exertion/effort)10, and Thanthai Periyar's rationalist perspective.

Ultimately, this study establishes that systematic planning, perseverance, and a sense of self-control are the primary factors that determine human progress.