Over the past 40 years, the term ‘alpha’ has become very popular when referring to leading figures within society, particularly those that display dominant characteristics. 

First coined in the 1950s to label the behaviour of the lead wolf in a pack, it was later used by Frans de Waal in his 1982 book Chimpanzee Politics to describe dominant chimpanzees. 

Through years of misuse, the original meaning of the word ‘alpha’ has become twisted in our modern vocabulary. The notion of a leader who has fought their way to dominance through a mixture of brutish aggression and bullying is purely superficial, and doesn’t closely relate to what real ‘alpha behaviour’ entails. 

“You should not call a bully an alpha male,” de Waal writes, “Someone who is big and strong and intimidates and insults everyone is not necessarily an alpha male.”

In the chimpanzee world, to become the new alpha male, potential suiters must not only show signs of strength and intimidation, but must also show signs of generosity and, more importantly, empathy. Individuals use various tactics to compete for dominance in rank - displays of grooming and contact aggression are common components of a male chimpanzee's dominance repertoire. Additionally, smaller males aren’t necessarily ruled out from challenging the alpha; if they have credible female support or have forged valuable coalitions with the stronger males within the group, they too have a good chance of challenging. 

Campaigning to become the new alpha can take chimps anywhere up to four months. Simple acts such as sharing food, showing empathy, helping to care for babies and carrying favours with the females are used to become ‘popular’ within the group. The demonstration of coalition, unity and friendship with others is hugely important; a simple display of walking in sync with another chimp can play a large part in their campaign. 

If a chimp successfully becomes the new alpha, they have two key obligations: To keep peace and provide consolation. An intelligent alpha will become popular with the entire group by remaining impartial in their peace keeping, and providing security and consolation for lowest ranking members of the group. The more popular an alpha male becomes, the more the group will respect them, and the better the group will defend and support them. Groups do not tolerate injustice and aggression. An alpha that bullies other members of the group will quickly be ousted by other challenging males. You might think here are certain similarities with certain politicians!

Being alpha isn’t all good; it comes with downsides. Firstly, if you have come into power thanks to certain coalitions, their needs must to be respected if you are to retain the relationship. Secondly, everybody in the group wants your position - you will always need to be on watch to defend against attacks from not just outsiders, but allies also. Finally, it’s a stressful position to be in. Studies have shown that being the alpha male in the group can be as stressful as being an outcast.

We must stop insulting chimpanzees with our misuse of the work ‘alpha’. Being an alpha member of society comprises of a far more complex array of behaviours than we mean.