Debunking the Alpha Myth: Gender Stereotypes and the Psychology of Power

Gender stereotypes have historically influenced societal expectations for men and women. The “alpha” concept has emerged as a way to understand dominant personalities, with “alpha males” embodying assertiveness, competitiveness, and leadership, while “alpha females”  exhibit similar traits traditionally viewed as masculine (Sumra & Capraro, 2019)^[5]. 

This concept originates from anthropological studies of animal behaviour, particularly in species like wolves, which demonstrated clear social hierarchies (Sumra & Capraro, 2019)[5].  Such observations led to essentialist views about gender, suggesting that dominance is biologically tied to sex (Morgenroth & Ryan, 2018)[2]. These ideas have been popularised through media and self-help literature, often neglecting their social context. 

In popular psychology, alpha figures reinforce binary gender norms, casting men as natural leaders and framing assertive women negatively, thereby questioning their femininity. This binary perspective fails to capture the complexity of gender identity and expression  (Dembroff, 2025)^[6]. Additionally, research shows that these stereotypes not only reflect behaviours but also dictate expected conduct based on perceived gender roles (Morgenroth &  Ryan, 2018)^[1]. 

Media representations often perpetuate these stereotypes, influencing children’s beliefs about their potential based on gender. Such narrow beliefs can be reinforced by societal expectations established from an early age (NCA, 2025)^[3]. Thus, examining gender stereotypes through the lens of alpha concepts is crucial for understanding their impact on identities and societal norms regarding masculinity and femininity. 

Critique of the Pseudoscientific Roots of Alpha Concepts 

The concept of ‘alpha’ males and females, popularised through a flawed understanding of animal behaviour, lacks scientific legitimacy. Originating from L. David Mech’s observations of captive wolves, this notion is built on artificial social constructs rather than natural family units in wild packs. Consequently, the term ‘alpha’ has been indiscriminately applied across species, including humans, without adequate empirical support (Makoy, 2023)^[9]. 

Research supporting alpha hierarchies often relies on evolutionary psychology, which reduces complex human behaviours to simplistic biological binaries, ignoring cultural influences on gender identity. Such essentialist views reinforce stereotypes and marginalise non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals (Morgenroth & Ryan, 2018)^[2]. 

Methodological flaws are prevalent in studies promoting alpha frameworks, as many rely on unrepresentative samples or controlled environments that don’t capture the complexity of natural social interactions. These studies overlook how human social structures are influenced by culture, economic factors, and personal experiences—elements absent in animal behaviour research.

Additionally, there is a significant misunderstanding of social hierarchies among humans compared to animals. While alpha status may appear evident in some animal contexts, human relationships are more nuanced and shaped by collaboration, communication, and emotional intelligence (Makoy, 2023)^[9]. 

These misconceptions harm public perception and perpetuate damaging stereotypes regarding masculinity and femininity, leading to societal pressures that restrict personal expression and conform to rigid gender roles, particularly affecting young people exploring their identities. 

Psychological Risks Associated with Alpha Myths on Youth 

The “alpha” role among youth is typically related to strict gender stereotypes, which hurt their psychological adjustment. Stereotypes are learned by adolescents, and the struggle in identification ensues as they try to live up to expectations. Aspiring to the  “alpha” role can be through the exhibition of violent behaviours such as conforming to traditional masculine standards, distorting self-concept and restricting emotional expression.  The process of internalisation leads to self-acceptance difficulties and feelings. 

Additionally, the connection between alpha identities and aggression can stimulate violent impulses. Youth who take on hyper-masculine orientations may be forced to claim dominance, triggering bullying and altercations that destroy relationships and reinforce community violence. Studies show a significant correlation between conformity to strict gender roles and mental health problems, including anxiety and depression (Garg et al., 2023)[7]. Those conforming to stereotypical masculine ideals often experience pressure to hide vulnerability, hindering help-seeking during emotional crises (NCA, 2025)^[3]. 

The broader social consequences reach beyond individual concerns; communities deeply rooted in binary gender attitudes find themselves unable to build supportive relationships. Pure identification through masculinity or femininity denies individuals opportunities for genuine connection, excluding those who fall outside norms and driving mental illness issues in underrepresented groups (Morgenroth & Ryan, 2018)^[2]. Combatting damaging stereotypes is essential for healthy development in young people of all gender identities (Tran & Olshan,  2022)^[8]. 

The Importance of Dismantling Binary Gender Norms for Healthy Development 

Deconstructing binary gender norms is critical to cultivating strong psychosocial development in people across their lifespan. By encouraging inclusive strategies that embrace a range of identities, we promote tolerance and empathy within diverse groups. Education initiatives – such as workshops and curricula intended to counter deeply embedded stereotypes—help change the way people think about gender. Such programs enable children to openly express their identities without being bound by limiting categorisations. 

Developing supportive environments is a priority for everyone, especially those who live outside the binary divide. Schools and community groups must work towards creating spaces that are safe for discussing gender without fear of judgment, enabling a variety of expressions to be heard and accepted. As stipulated in (Morgenroth & Ryan, 2018)^[2], such supportive Environments can reduce stigma and violence against the marginalised because they cultivate respect. 

Active involvement from parents, teachers, and community leaders is crucial in this effort. They need to exhibit inclusive language and behaviours and urge the children to participate in conversations regarding gender variety. If adults actively work towards eliminating stereotypes, they provide the foundation for youths to accept their identities confidently. 

In addition, strengthening resilience against negative norms requires managing the psychological effects of binary stereotypes. Research has shown that people who feel constrained within traditional gender roles experience anxiety and decreased self-esteem (Morgenroth & Ryan, 2018)[1]. Therefore, it’s important to introduce programs that go beyond just gender discussions. By also focusing on emotional intelligence, these programs can help children build resilience, especially those struggling with rigid social expectations.

Conclusion

In a pursuit of knowledge regarding gender roles, there is a need to acknowledge the existence of binary gender norms and their damaging impacts. A transformative perspective must be adopted, viewing gender as a malleable social construct that accommodates multiple identities. Embracing Judith Butler’s theory of “gender trouble” enables society to break down traditional categories and facilitate more authentic self-expressions outside the binary framework (Morgenroth & Ryan, 2018)^[2]. 

Education is imperative in this transformation. Heightened awareness about the socially constructed gender allows people to understand that these norms are not biological but are perpetuated by social pressures (Dismantling the Gender Binary System, 2025)[4]. This awareness leads to empathy and promotes diversity in gender expression and identity without prejudice. The media also plays a vital role. By showcasing diverse representations and avoiding harmful stereotypes, content creators can challenge established norms. This, in turn, helps uplift marginalised voices—especially those of nonbinary individuals (NCA, 2025)^[3]. 

It is necessary to campaign for inclusive policies endorsing all gender identities. This involves legal status for nonbinary people and discrimination protections based on gender identity or expression (Dismantling the Gender Binary System, 2025)^[4]. These changes are achieved through joint efforts by individuals, communities, legislators, and educators. In the end, what truly dismantles oppressive, binary-based systems is creating inclusive spaces. Spaces where every individual is free to be themselves—without judgment or limitation. When we challenge traditional norms and embrace inclusivity, we create new opportunities. These opportunities help future generations explore who they are—freely and genuinely.

FAQs

1. What is the “alpha” male/female concept, and why is it problematic?

The “alpha” concept originates from outdated animal studies and reinforces rigid, binary gender stereotypes, promoting dominance and aggression while marginalising non-conforming identities. 

2. How do alpha stereotypes affect youth? 

They pressure young people to conform to aggressive or submissive gender roles, leading to mental health issues, identity struggles, and limited emotional expression. 

3. Are alpha behaviours biologically determined? 

No. Human social behaviour is complex and culturally shaped. The alpha model oversimplifies gender roles and lacks scientific support in human psychology. 

4. What are the psychological risks of enforcing binary gender norms?

Binary norms can cause anxiety, low self-esteem, and social exclusion, especially among nonbinary and gender-diverse youth. 

5. How can we reduce the impact of gender stereotypes on youth? 

We support healthier development and self-expression by taking key steps. This includes promoting inclusive education, encouraging emotional intelligence, and creating safe spaces for all gender identities.