Alpha and Beta: How do you define them?

stats135 · 2014-11-17T02:00:02+00:00

On my spectrum, the alpha is the guy that women want to give their virginity to, where the beta is the guy that women want to give their hard in marriage to. In understanding AFBB, I'm generally concerned more about the order than the content. I wouldn't mind being a "beta provider" if women's sexual strategy is reversed (BBAF) where they marry a good "husband-material" man when they are a young virgin and party it up after they get divorced. Being a nice beta man is not pathetic at all. I have no issues with being a nice beta guy; I have problems when being the nice beta guy, means I finish last.

SirNemesis · 2014-11-17T15:42:11+00:00

Alpha traits are those that give a man intrinsic sexual value (i.e. signs of good genes). These traits include such things as pre-selection, charisma, height, and good looks.

Beta traits are those that give a man extrinsic relationship value (as a provider, protector, partner, supporter, etc.). These traits include such things as being caring and loyal, and having a stable job.

On average, women have far more intrinsic sexual value than men; an "alpha male" is someone who has intrinsic sexual value comparable to that of an average woman. An "apex alpha male" is someone who has intrinsic sexual value higher than that of an average woman. Alphas and apex alphas tend to not bother to cultivate their beta traits (because they don't need to), although there is nothing stopping them from having both alpha and beta traits, and a man who has both alpha and beta traits is obviously the ideal unicorn for women.

A "beta male" is someone who does not have that much intrinsic sexual value, but has significant extrinsic relationship value which he advertises to obtain partners.

An "omega male" is someone whose total sexual market value (intrinsic + extrinsic) is extremely low. Generally, he lacks both alpha and beta traits.

There is nothing inherently pejorative about being "beta". Indeed, civilization was built by beta males. However, post sex-rev society treats betas in a pejorative way, making them wait around while young women sex up alphas and then expecting the betas to be grateful that the women want relationships with them after wasting their youth and virginity with alphas.

elitemage101 · 2014-11-17T02:08:06+00:00

A beta would always be the one who is not as assertive in any situation. That is what the two words mean. Alpha is not the guys who get laid because that is more attractive it is because that is what the word describes. And try to avoid that double negative "highly undesirable trait for men to not seek out partners".

AFormidableContender · 2014-11-17T04:16:17+00:00

Alpha: A majority collection of socially strong behaviors, beliefs and qualifiers.

Beta: A majority collection of socially weak behaviors, beliefs, and qualifiers.

jacks1000 · 2014-11-17T12:20:42+00:00

Alpha = a man that women pursue and cater to.

Beta = a man that pursues and caters to women.

now that I have a happy and romantic companion I no longer consider other men as potential partners.

Well of course. But if a better man showed interest in you, your partner might start to seem less "happy" and "romantic." That's what TRP calls "hypergamy."

Well, I mean that is what it would be like for average women. You of course are different.

Dominant and passive do the job better.

I think "dominant" and "submissive" are best.

YetAnotherCommenter · 2014-11-18T02:44:19+00:00

It depends on context.

In the context of "getting laid" -

"Alpha" = Traits of a person which are attractive (to the average person-who-experiences-opposite-sex-attraction) on a purely primal, arguably evolutionary level. These are typically physical qualities or superficial mannerisms which can be acted if necessary. These traits come in both male versions and female versions (RPers refer to an "Alpha female" as a "10/10")

"Beta" - Person who simply lacks/does not exhibit the above traits

In the context of "inter-male gender dynamics" -

"Alpha" - Someone who is considered not only a "real man" (i.e. someone who lives up to society's idea of the masculine gender role) but also possesses the authority to revoke another man's "real man" status (this is generally package-dealt with leadership roles due to certain features of traditional notions of masculinity). This is a relative status and a socially constructed one, not an innate one.

"Beta" - Someone who lives up to society's idea of a "real man" but does not possess the authority to socially emasculate another man. Again this is a relative and socially constructed status.

"Omega" - Someone who does not live up to society's idea of a "real man" and is thus socially emasculated. Insulting an adult male by calling him a 'boy' or 'man-child' is ascribing Omega status to them.

In the context of social dominance -

Alpha: Leader/brute/bully.

Beta: Obeys Alphas, controls/bullies Omegas.

Omegas: Pathetic and spineless.

Sigmas: Neither controls others nor lets themselves be controlled - the true opposite of a Beta. Generally refuses to operate within the social hierarchy (insofar as much as possible). Rebels and lone wolves.

Note that the social dominance versions are part and parcel of traditionally masculine gender roles due to the manliness = authority equation (the Macho Dominance Hierarchy). Alpha males lead, Betas have to obey their Alphas to avoid being rendered an Omega, Omegas are the "boys" or "not real men" trying to prove themselves. Sigmas are those men who consciously reject and oppose the Macho Dominance Hierarchy (Paul Elam calls them Zetas).

mc0079 · 2014-11-17T14:52:49+00:00

They are hijacked PUA terms from a study on wolves that aren't even used right. Alpha meant leader of the pack. Beta meant 2nd in charge. It didn't mean Beta was some sort of weakling, if the alpha went down, the beta could easily take it's place. The Beta would often challenge for leadership or simply the Alpha would grow old and die and the Beta would assume leadership, like a prince taking over for a King.

Today these terms are used by anyone with an agenda. Mostly to make money and position themselves as the "alpha" and take money from from "betas" by selling shitty PUA products...or simply to boast their own ego.

We_Are_Legion · 2014-11-17T09:35:37+00:00

beta is providership traits. He is the giver. Too much beta is a loser and a door-mat.

In contrast, alpha is leadership qualities. Somebody who displays high value, or traits that are valued by women, excepting those of provider-ship. Instead, he is the person who takes. Attention, validation and often resources.

Alpha and beta can refer to a man who exhibits alpha/beta behaviors (more alpha tendancies than beta or vice versa), but usually used to describe individual behaviors themselves.

On the red pill, alpha as a defined individual does not exist. The word is a mannequin which exists to hold the spectrum of qualities that are successful which we want to think about. The concept is a thinking aid. A pure alpha would be ridiculous.

RedPill4LYF · 2014-11-17T01:56:19+00:00

Alpha: Acting without shame or worry of the thoughts and opinions of others. Cannot be manipulated.

Beta: Acting in relation to the perceived thoughts as well as opinions of others. Very easy to manipulate.

exit_sandman · 2014-11-17T10:15:44+00:00

It seems like successful promiscuity is "alpha", and a desire for just monogamy is "beta", and that somewhere in the middle are polyamorous personalities in varying degrees.

That's not what "polyarmory" means.
Not really.

A person can be "alpha" without being promiscuous, and a person can be "beta" without actually desiring monogamy - though the one usually goes with the others because "alphas" and "betas" differ along the opportunity/personality axis.

opportunity/beta: these guys have little opportunity to sleep around and therefore are more likely to content themselves with monogamy and actually convince themselves that they don't want more than that. It's basically a mix of scarcity mentality ("if I get a woman, I'll do everything for her") and sour grapes/cognitive dissonance ("who wants all these women of low moral fiber anyway").
opportunity/alpha: these guys don't suffer from the problems above and therefore are a lot more likely to act out their promiscuous desires.
personality/beta: these guys are also less likely to develop traits that make them more comfortable with sleeping around. They aren't used to be in a position where they can make demands and give little in return (and therefore also aren't comfortable with doing so), they probably have fewer but deeper friendships and value the people in their lives more, they hate using people (especially not for their own gratification) and probably also don't really don't think that sex with them is so incredibly mindblowingly awesome that it's its own reward for a woman.
personality/alpha: again, these guys don't suffer from the restrictions above.

RandianHero · 2014-11-17T01:46:07+00:00

People don't really know what those terms mean. Alpha is simply a leader personality type. Beta is subordinate. Since leaders categorically have stronger personalities and confidence in order to fulfill their roles as leaders, alpha personalities naturally seem like the more attractive choice at first glance.

There's nothing wrong with being beta. The world can't be entirely comprised of lone wolves or leaders; they need people to follow them in order to be effective. What you gotta watch out for are gamma personality types (e.g. "nice guys", neckbeards, white knights, social justice warriors, or third wavers). These are the ineffectual pieces of shit who can't hack it in normal society, so they bitch and moan and attempt to undermine everyone else in order to get ahead.

LeGrandDiableBlanc · 2014-11-17T05:40:40+00:00

Alpha and Beta are relative terms that refer to positions in a hierarchy.

In a sexual context, Alpha and Beta represent a spectrum from more sexually attractive to the average member of the group in question (alpha) versus less sexually attractive to the average member of the group in question (beta).

It just so happens that a lot of behaviors are correlated with sexual success (social status, abundance mentality/non attachment, etc.) and sexual non-success (neediness, eccentric interests, poor social skills, etc), so we refer to them as sexually alpha or beta. The traits themselves aren't inherently alpha or beta though--it is only by their association with sexually successful and non successful individuals that they get the label.

SquidwardsEuphoria · 2014-11-17T20:51:04+00:00

I've seen them defined as behavior traits or as personality types, and I think every man is a little beta and a little alpha. Every woman too. For simplicity, Alpha traits are things that make you sexy, Beta traits are things that make you cuddly. Too much beta, and you're not sexually attractive but you're fun to hang with. Too much alpha, and you're basically only good for sex (for a man trying only for ONS, 100% alpha isn't a bad idea. For a man wanting a relationship, you have to balance it.)

A 100% alpha woman, I guess, would be a hot woman who was nothing but hot, had no emotional connectivity with men, no intelligence, no skills, was just sexy and arousing. A 100% beta woman would be a really kind, caring, loving and interesting person who was not at all sexually attractive. As a married woman, I strive for a 50-50 mix.

sticktothehardstuff · 2014-11-18T05:10:39+00:00

Alpha is how you make a girl feel. Beta is what you can provide for her.

I lifted this saying from TRP, and often use it as a reminder while I'm dating, pursuing or interacting with a girl. Don't show her what you can offer her or how you feel, but to make her feel something. Make her feel special, make her feel funny, make her laugh, make her have a good time, make her feel sexy, etc.

This can also be used when interacting with friends or making new friends. Don't show them what you can provide for them, but make them feel something. Make them laugh, have fun, etc.

adrixshadow · 2014-11-18T10:15:06+00:00

I have three definitions.

Alpha is defined by dominance, aggressiveness and brutishness more in line with the animalistic side.

The true MAN is defined by the character. Principles,virtues,dreams and the will to uphold them. The pursuit of truth at any expense. Beyond the nature of foolish animals.

Beta. None of the above. A submissive coward with its only virtue is that of a provider endlessly exploited. More of a woman then a man.

A male can have any number of traits from this categories but they have an overall that they fit into.

There is also some hybridization. For example Alpha+MAN is a leader. Beta+MAN would be a good husband.

Misteralcala · 2014-11-19T04:24:56+00:00

Beta: These are men who measure their self-worth and value by how others see them. They try to accommodate others around them and even sacrifice their own comfort to make others happy. They give their resources freely in hopes of being accepted, admired and loved. They think that all of their good deeds are being noticed and that they will be reciprocated by others. Betas are pleasers who are most comfortable supporting and following others. Betas believe that because they shower women with love, attention and material goods, that those women owe them their love and loyalty in return. Betas try to be the Prince Charming in their own fairy tale - all they need is a Princess so they can spend all their time and energy trying to make her happy. In a perfect world, Beta logic would make sense - it's honorable, selfless and idealistic. Unfortunately, this is not an ideal world, so they are the nail, not the hammer. Their generosity is seen as weakness and is often abused and exploited.
Alpha: These are men who's self-worth comes from setting and obtaining goals. Alphas don't seek validation from others, and they don't give their validation or resources away freely or easily, so they have more intrinsic value. Because Alphas spend most of their time and energy on self-improvement, they tend to surround themselves by people who add value to their lives. Women are attracted to Alphas because of their ambition, confidence, social status and because they don't give them automatic validation - they have to work for it and earn it. Alphas are on a mission, and if you get in the way of that mission, you will be cast aside and forgotten. Alphas take care of themselves first - everybody else is second. Alphas are comfortable taking the lead and because they are constantly striving for self-improvement, they are the kinds of people that others want to follow and be around. Alphas realize that they are a prize and they don't settle for anything less than they deserve. Women are the accessories to their life, not the focus.

Title	Alpha and Beta: How do you define them?
Author	quiet-observer
Upvotes	2
Comments	37
Date	November 17, 2014 1:40 AM UTC (11 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/PurplePillDebate
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/PurplePillDebate/comments/2minjt/alpha_and_beta_how_do_you_define_them/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/PurplePillDebate/alpha-and-beta-how-do-you-define-them.284354 https://theredarchive.com/post/284354

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