THE MODERN ALPHA MALE: WHY WOMEN LOVE HIM
The modern alpha male is a perfect example of how our social and biological selves are runners on the evolutionary track. Biology, weighed down by the process of natural selection and genetic mutations, is lagging behind the sprinting Social. We are biologically drawn to them, but they often make non optimal partners.
Current research points to the negative qualities of high testosterone men as romantic partners, husbands, and fathers.
Why would women want that? Social ramifications aside, high testosterone usually means great sperm.
The visual markers of an alpha male are the physiological traits that scream high testosterone to the opposite sex. We have also been biologically conditioned to find many of these qualities physically or sexually attractive
Cheekbones and a defined Jaw Line
broad shoulders
heavy muscles in the arms and legs
capacity to store fat around the stomach area – (not attractive in itself, but women may prefer that to a guy with big hips)
deep voice
ring finger outstretches their index finger (greater exposure to testosterone while in the womb)
Societal Markers of an alpha male are the culturally derirable consequences of high testosterone males:
Women have been socially conditioned to find these qualities important, since they signify a man’s ability to provide and support during the vulnerable stage of pregnacy and raising a dependent young.
Power,
Wealth,
Status
The Catch-22, however, is that the men who have been able to acquire the power, wealth, and status due to the interplay of their physiology (high testosterone) and socioeconomic factors (education, good upbringing) are also the ones who seem to be more likely to display less commitement to use these resources for a long term partnership and parental investment. Or at least so it seems…
references:
(Testosterone and Men’s Marriages Alan Booth, James M. Dabbs, Jr. Social Forces, Vol. 72, No. 2 (Dec., 1993), pp. 463-477)
Below are some examples of real modern day alpha males:
Former President Bill Clinton
Actor, George Clooney
Hugh Hefner, the ultimate Playboy
Tags: alpha male, compatible gene traits, dominance, sex appeal
December 10th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
I always thought that the alpha male is more of a psychological phenomenon rather than a physical. If it stems from a physical nature, why are there so many men with these physical characteristics that are very submissive?
December 10th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Hi Alek,
I think the previous post “The Modern Alpha Male” addresses this point, particularly the subsequent discussion between Christina and I.
The physical characteristics seem to be a consequence of a certain biological makeup but they need not lead to an alpha male personality. For example, a man can have high testosterone levels which will give him a deep voice and other testosterone markers, but he may be lacking in the environmental influences that will render him an alpha (described in previous post) so that would allow for the situation you described (physical traits but not psychological ones).
December 24th, 2008 at 10:04 am
It’s true. The physical part is only good for perception reasons only. It’s what women see sometimes. Not all big, brawny guys have tough, alpha male qualities. My Great Grandfather on my mother’s side stood only at 5 ft 4in and he wasn’t big at all, but he was tough and in control at all times. He owned his own buisness for most of his adult life. He was one of those man’s-man. If you want to steriotype physical apearances, what about perfessional athletes. There are some that came out as being Homosexual. Society has made many steriotypical comments on how a gay man looks like and how he acts on the outside which is small apperience, and sesitive personality. People call these types sissy boys. Would you say that to a 300 lb Linebacker. Alpha Male has more to do with choices that a male makes in his life and how he steps up as a leader, even if he gets put in that position without his consent. It’s also has to do with how he handles certain situations, good or bad. I don’t consider myself to be an Alpha Male or a Beta Male. I see myself with both traits.
January 3rd, 2009 at 10:01 am
David,
It’s funny, but I actually know of a very similar example that you mention of your Great Grandfather. The physical markers are what signal to women that someone may have high testosterone levels, but certainly the attitude is what will make the difference. Of course, many females are fooled by the physical illusion and so a good looking guy has an easy time with initially attracting girls. However, when it comes down to it, the attitude is what sets a true alpha male apart and that attitude is often still driven by testosterone levels (which correlate with aggression and social dominance). It is possible that not everyone’s physiological makeup is able to withstand high testosterone levels and thus the prototypical desired masculine traits are not always the outcome (testosterone has been proposed to be an immunosuppressant). As a result, there are often men who are less traditionally good looking, but still seem to be socially dominant and people (men and women) find them attractive.