It all started with the apes. Said to be the descendants of man, apes moved in packs that followed a hierarchal structure of alpha, beta, omega or gamma.
It all started with the apes. Said to be the descendants of man, apes moved in packs that followed a hierarchal structure of alpha, beta, omega or gamma. Not surprisingly, research pretty much finds the same in the human portion of kingdom animalia.
Ascent of a man: Alpha males are the dominant, aggressive, power-seekers - the pack leaders who make other men nervous by their presence, whilst women swoon for their attention. They’re the ones who have the most notches above the bedpost, allowing their dominant body language to do all the talking (think: Hitler).
The betas follow the alphas shadow, almost like a second act. They kiss-up to the alphas to mask their jealousy, all the while secretly hoping to be just like them. Unfortunately, their lame-ass saccharine sweet nature doesn’t allow them to ever make the cut (think: Ashton Kutcher).
The omegas or gamma, truth be told, are the dregs - the losers. They rarely get the women, and even if they do, are considered instantly forgettable (think Kevin Federline).
“Psychologically, there are three kinds of people,” says psychotherapist, Varkha Chulani. “The alphas want power and people to follow them, the betas want to follow others, and the omegas are neither followers nor leaders.”
Betas on top: However, as times are a changing, so it seems is the whole hierarchy. In this day and age where our culture is awash with powerful women fantasies (‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, ‘Kill Bill’), it’s the beta males that are being grabbed up like hot oven breads - by alpha females.
Wondering who we’re talking about? Go figure on Madonna and Guy Ritchie or Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey - and you’ll understand why women love betas so much. They allow the women to call the shots, make great red carpet arm candy and even allow the spotlight to shine directly on their counterparts. If you’re lucky enough, they might even hold your purse.
Women voice-off: “Yeah, when dating, I would definitely want the spotlight on me,” says model, Sanya Sheikh. “Who wouldn’t?” Adds in model Sohini Jaitley, “I think men are still intimidated by alpha females. Though I wouldn’t like to have a beta as my man.”
d_farhad@dnaindia.net
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