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The alpha was thought to be the most superior and most dominant male archetype. The rest of the pack were dismissed as inferior to their alpha rival and deserving of a spot beneath him in the male dominance hierarchy.
Fast forward to present day, sigma male is the one that’s trending. Today’s article brings you 11 tips on how to be a sigma male and a list of benefits that are in store. It also digs deeper into the sigma male’s mindset to help you understand what it’s like to be him.
What is a Sigma Male?
The newly discovered ‘sigma male’ is described as an improved version of the alpha male without a tribe. Yet, he isn’t labeled an alpha male who is known for being loud and extroverted. The sigma guy is sort of shy and introverted yet dominant and powerful, intuitive, charming, confident, self-reliant, and independent.
The description aligns with masculinists’ labeling of the sigma male as an introverted alpha male without a pack. He’s your powerful and influential “lone wolf,” who somehow manages to succeed relying primarily on himself.
Not surprisingly, many men are fascinated by the sigma male personality and aspire to be like him. For one, women find their characteristics and balanced persona alluring when compared to other male archetypes.
Archetypes and the male dominance hierarchy
Social archetypes, different from personality types, refer to a pattern seen in human characteristics that can be used to place them into social groups. The social dominance hierarchy for males (and females) dates back to the use of letters of the Greek alphabet by masculinist subcultures to rank males from the most to the least dominant.
Alpha males appear at the top of the social ranking system or socio-sexual hierarchy, followed by beta, gamma, delta, then omega males at the very bottom.
Being placed at the top creates a perception that alphas are the most dominant and have more status, power, and success than the rest. That isn’t necessarily the case, as sigma males are said to be even more successful.
Think billionaire and CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, who is believed to be a sigma male. It has been suggested that Musk has an INTJ personality type typically seen in sigma males.
Interestingly, “sigma” still does not appear on the masculinity pyramid. That’s because this particular male type is regarded as an alpha equal, except that he is the solitary, reserved version. For argument’s sake, Theodore Robert Beale, also known as, Vox Day, installed sigma male right below alpha.
However, according to Day, sigmas are in a league of their own, don’t identify with labels, or want any connection to the pecking order. In other words, they are off the charts!
Sigma males vs other male archetypes
Here’s a quick comparison that shows how different these male archetypes are from one another.
Alpha males have more of an aggressive type of dominance, although the characteristic contributes to their great leadership qualities.
Beta males are charismatic and motivated, yet too submissive and reliant on others to make decisions for them. Those latter traits make them appear weak.
Sigma males have quiet confidence, unlike the very sociable, I-am-here, “peacockish”, competitive alphas. They are highly desirable as dating partners for their positiveassertiveness and other admirable characteristics.
Delta males rank third on the system and are defined as introverted, difficult to figure out, non-competitive, and resentful. Discover more about delta male traits if you think you’re one.
Gamma males are seen as highly intellectual and driven but tend to work harder than sigmas and alphas to achieve the same level of success.
Omega males are branded as the least popular archetype, perhaps because of being socially shy and lacking assertiveness and dominance. Social commentators feel their honest, sweet, and loving nature compensates for those perceived shortcomings.
Benefits of Being a Sigma Male
Living a sigma male lifestyle does come with perks men with traits found in other archetypes may not enjoy. For starters, they can survive on their own, hence the “lone wolf” label. It isn’t that they don’t need anyone. They feel more confident getting things done without feeling obligated to rely on others. Wait. There’s more.
A leader not a follower: Sigma males are known for directing their own paths and not conforming to society’s views of things. Jumping on the bandwagon isn’t their thing. Instead, they make their own rules for life and live by them, thereby creating a world of more freedom to think and do what they desire.
Decisive: Sigma males typically know what they want right out the gate and are assertive about their plans. The chance of procrastination decreases and success increases because of their mindset. You’re not likely to see them calling up friends and loved ones to get their opinions when making decisions.
Solitary: Not only are they good-looking and attractive, but are described as easy-going. Instead of focusing on being seen and heard or exerting dominance or control like alpha males, they relish their solitude. That’s where the magic happens. They can focus on their goals and brainstorm creative paths to success.
Intriguing to women: Rumors have it that women are enamored with the lone wolf because he isn’t aggressive and controlling like the alpha male. The air of mystery surrounding him is also quite alluring.