Alpha and beta males are two ends of a spectrum. The alpha is celebrated, while the beta is detested by many. So what’s the difference between them? What makes an alpha male an alpha and a beta a beta? This article will explore the characteristics that set these two types of males apart.
What is an Alpha Male?
In an article titled ‘How to Deal With an Alpha Male in a Relationship’. An alpha male in the following statement [Source]: The alpha male is typically defined as a man who leads his social group. He’s competitive and in control. The alpha male is more powerful, wealthy, and successful with women than others in the social order. Another definition is a “man at the top of the socio-sexual hierarchy, and the archetype that commands the highest level of social and sexual status” [Source].
Alpha males are “at the top of the social status hierarchy. They have greater access to power, money, and mates, which they gain through physical prowess, intimidation, and domination” [Source].
The traits of an alpha male include:
- Being confident.
- Having high self-esteem.
- Possesses good speaking skills and a good sense of fashion.
- Being respectful in society and to women.
- Looking after themselves well and are well-groomed individuals.
What is a Beta Male?
Beta is “A term used to describe men who do not fit the stereotype of masculinity. It’s also been used as a derogatory term for males who are perceived to be feminist or acting as a white knight.’ [Source]. A beta male can also be defined as a “man who lacks masculine energy and adopts feminine characteristics, often faces problems or confrontations passive-aggressively” [Source].
A beta male is a ‘loyal lieutenant’ who obeys the orders of the alpha male [Source] but is ranked lower than the alpha male. The beta male is the opposite of the alpha male. Beta Male traits include lack of confidence, low self-esteem, unattractive, lack of physical and mental toughness, poor communication skills, bad body language, and is not very successful with the females.
Difference between Alpha and Beta Male
In many societies, the alpha male is held in higher regard than the beta male. Also, a closer analysis of these terms shows that the alpha male has a superiority complex while the beta male has an inferiority complex [Source]. The beta males are the opposite of the alpha males. Beta males lack the qualities that make an alpha male an alpha. Alphas are confident, successful with females, have high self-esteem, and are physically strong. On the other hand, Betas tend to be shy, unsuccessful with females, have low self-esteem, and are not physically tough or strong.
An alpha male is described as a gentleman, while a beta male is seen as weak. Many females are attracted to the alpha male, and the beta male is also an admirer of the alpha male. Some have argued that because the beta male is inferior to the alpha male, it wishes to be like the alpha. But the alpha male never desires to be like the beta male.
In terms of body language, the alpha male has good postures and carries himself confidently whether walking alone or in public [Source]. The beta male has difficulties being confident, so he is always gazing down and is very shy. The beta male is weak to the extent of avoiding conflict, but an alpha male is known to take charge of the situation and grabs a conflict by the horns. Beta males are described as too “nice” because they have a persona that anyone can take advantage of. Alpha males are strong individuals who never give in to peer pressure, and they cannot be forced to do anything against their wishes. Beta males are powerless and do not have the will to say no, whilst an alpha male can say no confidently and is not afraid to lose people who want to use him.
An alpha male keeps a small circle of close friends who can assist him in achieving his goals. The beta is usually surrounded by people who possess the same traits as him, which worsens his situation because he does not get inspiration from his friends. The alpha male is very dominating and can take the leading role at any given time, but a beta male cannot lead, so he cocoons himself, awaiting people to make decisions. Alpha males tend to pursue feminine women because they prefer powerful women who can be supportive partners. Beta males are left fighting over weak women since they do not have the tools to be selective. The alpha male is a good orator when addressing people and can convince people to take his side. A beta male hardly addresses the audience because he is timid and is not confident enough to voice his authority.
The alpha male is described as having good looks admired by females, and the beta male does not attract much attention from people [Source]. Another trait of an alpha male is that he has a good sense of fashion, so he dresses well, which boosts his confidence, especially in a public space. The beta is somewhat a common dresser who does not do anything exceptional with his fashion skills. Another distinction between the alpha male and the beta male is that the alpha male is a high achiever who usually has a good career. Beta males are mostly accepting of what life brings them. An alpha male never seeks to please people so that they like him, but he is just loved because of his good traits. The beta male is uncomfortable with the spotlight and is compelled to satisfy everyone’s demands.