Most people believe that the "Alpha male" is just the strongest, most aggressive, or deceptive male in the group and is a term frequently used in business or social settings to identify the person in charge or with the most power. They might even be looked at as the “lone wolf” who cares about no-one but themselves.
However, though these types of males may rise to power or any sort of status quickly, though it usually doesn’t last long, and ends quite terribly for them due to the use of fear and intimidation tactics that ends up creating more targets on their back, which represents a bully not an alpha male.
The term "Alpha male" originates from studies of animal behaviour, particularly observed in social structures such as wolf packs to signify the highest position male in the group. It unintentionally became popularised due to the work done by Frans de Waal (renowned primatologist) in his book “chimpanzee politics”.
Though the alpha male has control over resources, and often having priority access to mating partners, these privileges come at a cost of immense responsibility and stress. Frans de Waal shows that the higher up the social hierarchy one is, the less stressed they seem to be, except the alpha who has been shown to be just as stressed as the lowest status in the group. This is not only from the extra responsibility but the constant threats from those that want his spot, due to the large motivation of mating privileges.
There is only 1 alpha in each group… however, human society is a lot larger and more complex than animal societies and therefore have multiple leadership positions where though some males may follow someone else, there are opportunities where they too can be a leader or “Alpha” at their own social level. In monogamous societies a relationship is the lowest level where a male can be the alpha, which connects with the modern more individual use of the words alpha and beta which have essentially become a way to categories males into either masculine (alpha) or feminine (beta).
So, who actually is an alpha male?
The alpha is the leader, and to lead effectively you must have respect from your followers, and we agree with Niccolò Machiavelli when he says that respect is both the idea of being feared and loved. The males who usually get selected into the role of alpha tend to be the most, empathetic, generous, and capable of keeping the peace amongst the people, making you loved by them as they do not have to life in constant fear of their life. Yet, competent, and capable of harm, to be feared by those who are trying to take their spot.
"He who has a sword, and knows how to use it, but keeps it sheathed shall inherit the earth." - Jordan B. Peterson
This is a showcase of masculinity in its fullness. Not only is the alpha the most capable, but he is also willing and able to sacrifice his own needs and wants for the group. We can take these macro ideas into the micro of our own lives as an ideal for us males to strive towards. In the process of developing our skills and traits we will not only improve our chances to be selected for mating purposes but to also be respected by becoming better men, husbands, fathers, and leaders for others to look up to.
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