US EditionIs the 'Alpha Male' a Myth? New Research in Primates May Debunk Theory
GERMANY AND FRANCE, JUL 9 – Analysis of 253 studies on 121 primate species found male dominance occurs in only 17% of populations, with most showing shared or ambiguous power dynamics.
- Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology and the University of Montpellier published Monday in PNAS that data from 253 studies show most primate populations lack clear sex dominance.
- Prompted by long-standing assumptions, primatologists believed males naturally dominate due to size and survival roles, but researcher biases shaped these early views.
- Analysis of 253 studies shows 17% of primate groups exhibit strict male dominance, 13% strict female dominance, and 70% shared or ambiguous patterns, with male dominance linked to larger size and terrestrial groups.
- These findings suggest human gender inequality stems from cultural, not evolutionary, factors, as humans lack fixed sex-dominance traits, according to recent primate research.
- The study's authors suggest primate ancestors likely had flexible power structures, with significant variation within species, prompting broader investigation of evolutionary pressures.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Is the 'alpha male' a myth? New research in primates may debunk theory
The term “alpha male” has been used to describe everything from CEOs to dating personalities. But a new scientific study suggests dominance might not be as natural as we’ve been led to believe. The study, published Monday, July 7, in PNAS, analyzed research from May 2020 to July 2024. Researchers studied more than 100 primate species, including various monkeys and lemurs, and found that male-dominated hierarchies are actually rare. In only 17% o…
Pedro, Raúl, Luis and Santi, the four friends who star in the Spanish series “Machos Alfa”, by Netflix – which is already going for its third season and which this year has added adaptations in Italy and France– are four men in the middle of their lives who seek to stop being “machirulos”, that is, traditional men, who provide, do not cry and make the big decisions in their family and work environments. For them, wanting to change is not an opti…
Are ‘alpha males’ a myth? For most primates, the answer is yes. - The Boston Globe
The study’s authors say their research could pave the way to a deeper understanding into one of science’s murkiest questions: the origins of power inequities between men and women.
The myth of alpha male dominance: Study debunks the idea that males always rule primate societies
Here’s a seemingly counterintuitive fact: power dynamics between males and females in nature are not clear-cut at all. For a long time, it was believed that males generally dominated females socially among primates, because they are bigger, stronger, and more necessary for the group’s survival. But this view is increasingly being challenged by the scientific community — and with good reason. A new study has shown that in most populations and spe…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
