The ‘alpha male’ myth, debunked | Frans de Waal

Primatologist Frans de Waal inadvertently popularized the term ‘alpha male.’ Now, he’s debunking common stereotypes to explain what an ‘alpha male’ really is – empathetic and protective.

All social animals establish hierarchies, but being an “alpha male” is not merely about strength or intimidation, according to primatologist Frans de Waal. An alpha male can often be a figure admired for empathy and protectiveness.

De Waal criticizes the misconception of the term as synonymous with a bully. He further explores the concept of gender, arguing its flexibility and highlighting the existence of significant individual variability in behavior among primates. De Waal emphasizes empathy as a key factor in social cohesion, suggesting it might hint at morality among primates.

Despite our advancements, he believes humans are fundamentally similar to primates emotionally and socially.

0:00 What is an alpha male?
1:25 ‘Chimpanzee Politics’ and the 1980s cultural fervor
2:20 The alpha male is not a personality type
3:34 Sex & gender: Donna the chimp
5:38 We’re apes with technology and college degrees

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About Frans de Waal:
Dr. Frans B. M. de Waal is a Dutch/American behavioral biologist and primatologist known for his work on the behavior and social intelligence of primates. His first book, Chimpanzee Politics (1982), compared the schmoozing and scheming of chimpanzees involved in power struggles with that of human politicians. His scientific work has been published in hundreds of technical articles in journals such as Science, Nature, Scientific American, and outlets specialized in animal behavior. His popular books - translated into 20+ languages - have made him one of the world's most visible primatologists. His latest books are Mama’s Last Hug (Norton, 2019) and Different: Gender Through the Eyes of a Primatologist (Norton, 2022). De Waal is C. H. Candler Professor Emeritus at Emory University and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Utrecht University. He has been elected to the (U.S.) National Academy of Sciences as well as the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2007, Time declared him one of "The World's 100 Most Influential People Today."

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Read more of our stories from Big Think+:
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The 5 executive leadership skills that matter most
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[bigthink]

Is there anything you'd add to this perspective on 'alpha males'?

[DeadEyeJedi]

Anyone who declares themselves 'Alpha' automatically broadcasts their insecurity anyway, if you have to remind people that you consider yourself 'in charge', you probably aren't in charge.

[harrynac]

Also an interesting book of Frans de Waal: "Are we smart enough to know how smart animals are?"

[WolfetoneRebel]

The term was originally coined by American Biologist David Mech in the 70s, specifically regarding wolf social structures. He later rejected the idea once research brought to light that wolf pack hierarchy is familial rather than based on any kind of trait - the mother and father wolf co-dominate the pack and as the younger wolfs grow, then split off and form their own packs. So, even the meaning for which the term was originally designated is already meaningless.

[Oceansta]

"Empathy is the core of human morality "

Supremely underrated insight.

[ever.silva]

Alpha male = "I have no idea what it means to be a man, so I will pretend to be one"

[ArmedAngryAtheist]

Anyone that claims to be an alpha isn't.

[TheJoscelyne]

So the alpha in the group reflects the group's values. If the group values cruelty and aggression, they will follow a bully, but if the group values empathy and fairness, they will follow a leader.

[caravanlifenz]

Frans de Waal died a week ago due to cancer. It's good he did this interview and shared his thoughts and perspectives before his death.

[ButterflyonStone]

Absolutely - something we have totally forgotten in our society - leadership and power is about looking after your group, not exploiting them. Certainly, you can exploit and bully people if you want to have 'authority', but at the first opportunity, your group will drop you like a stone, and there'll be no help on the way down.

[Adjecyca]

I'm such an alpha. I told my boss to step down because he wasn't an alpha... I got fired.

[willsimpson]

Being an alpha doesn't mean being an a**hole. People really don't get that.

[jasonburger]

The biggest and most essential point in this video is that being “alpha”, aka the top of the social hierarchy, does not mean to be an assh*le. Usually these people will self proclaim alpha without garnering the respect needed. You can be a good person while having a strong will and sometimes it takes a strong willingness to do a harsh thing for the good of the social group. It does not mean you beat down everyone around you, it means to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of others and having them fulfill the roles they are best suited for

[Chepis]

This video really made me think of my dad..Growing up and now even more I see the way my dad is held with so much respect by the men & women around him (he has a lot of associates& friends). I truly feel if I’ve ever seen a human “alpha” it’d be someone like my him. He checks most boxes In this video. Highly empathetic and what I consider to be a gentle leader. people come to him for advise & guidance. he’s got lived experience to back his words, Is honest without being rude and has a way about him that pulls people in when he speaks. I love that guy. Maybe I’m biased !hahaha

[Franciscus_deWaal]

Alpha males were first mentioned by Swiss wolf expert and ethologist Rudolf Schenkel, in 1947. The term was further promoted for wolves by David Mech before he began to question it. But now the term is back, also for wolves. There is, for example, an entire books series about alpha wolves by Rick McIntire, who studied the species in Yellowstone for 40 years, starting with “The Rise of Wolf 8.” His books convey the same message as I give in this interview: the personalities of alpha wolves vary greatly, there are nice ones and brutal ones.

[unHingedBaddie]

I’m from an African country and an alpha male in my community is a man that is compassionate, reliable, trustworthy and protective of his family and people. Someone that is respected and everyone knows that when he’s around every manly task/chore will be completed. He is kind and respectful also.

For instance if there’s a traditional ceremony, he will be the one to slaughter the animal, help with everything needed for the guests to feel comfortable like assemble stretch tents, chairs, pick up guests that might need to be picked up from specific locations, butcher the meat, buy groceries, etc..

The one that’s always talkative, promiscuous, a bully and arrogant is often considered useless.

[VivianFashionbabe]

Alpha is decided by the group, so defining an individual as alpha not only tells us about the said individual, but also reflects the culture of the society

[andrewgrandahl]

"You may want to be an alpha male, but if your surrounding people don't see you as that, it's not going to happen."

[KathySierraVideo]

I’m the equestrian world, the Alpha Mare myth was a thing for a long time, then later it was concluded that “leadership” was fluid and contextual. For example, it wasn’t that the horse leading others to water was a mare and therefore “Alpha Mare”, but simply that the horse leading others to water tended to be a pregnant and exceptionally *thirsty* horse. Situational not “leadership” and certainly not a “dominance hierarchy.” But this myth drove popular horsemanship programs for decades. Today, researchers conclude we see “dominance hierarchies” in domestic groups because they are competing for resources in a dysfunctional setting… a setting they did not evolve for. (E.g. small space, delivered “meals” rather than grazing, etc.)

[MeeesterBond]

How to be an Alpha in three easy steps:
1. Watch "Avatar - The Last Airbender".
2. Observe the character of Uncle Iroh.
3. Use him as a role model for life.