Alpha males and sigma males share certain characteristics and tendencies that can sometimes make it pretty difficult to discern which of the two a man truly is. These two types of men often find themselves occupying the same roles in their environments, both socially and in their career, so often we have to look deeper than the surface to figure out which is which. If you’re looking to tell the difference between an alpha male and a sigma male, we here at Bloke Box can help. Here we are going to discuss nine of the major characteristics of alpha males and sigma males – both their similarities and the differences that set them apart from one another.

9

Confidence

Part of the reason why, to the untrained eye, alpha males and sigma males can appear rather similar is that they both possess a high amount of confidence. The alpha male is naturally a confident, and dominant presence. He possesses an instinct to make his voice heard and his presence felt by all those around him. This confidence is a natural assertiveness rooted in the alpha’s belief that he knows best. These men are highly aware of their achievements, and gain power and confidence from knowing what they are capable of.

The sigma too possesses a high degree of confidence, albeit for different reasons. Whereas the alpha’s confidence is rooted in topping the social hierarchy, the sigma male’s confidence comes from a lack of interest in the social hierarchy at all. The only judgement that matters to the sigma male is his own, meaning that he is never shy for fear of what others might think. Alpha males’ confidence comes across as assertive and impressive, while the confidence of a sigma male is of a more introverted and understated nature.

8

Alphas sit on top of the hierarchy, sigmas sit outside of it

The alpha male gains his power and dominance in society from mastering the hierarchical dynamics that surround him. They have a deep understanding of the structure of social dominance and use this to their advantage. The alpha knows how to treat all the other males on the social hierarchy so as to preserve and further his status as the alpha. The sigma, on the other hand, operates completely removed from all social hierarchy. These dynamics are simply unimportant to him, and he makes his way through life walking his own path.

The fact that the sigma male is so far removed from the traditional dynamics of social hierarchy, can cause tension between them and the alpha. The alpha can often be challenged by the presence of a sigma male, as they are hard to control, and far removed from the structure from which the alpha achieves power and dominance.

7

Both have a complicated relationship with authority

While the alpha male may sometimes find his feathers ruffled by his inability to control the sigma male, both alphas and sigmas alike find dealing with authority as a point of friction, although this is for two different reasons. The alpha is most at home when he himself is in a position of authority within his social framework, and following orders goes against his natural tendency to act as a leader. The sigma male, on the other hand, has a complete disregard for the structure of leadership that requires him to follow orders. He would rather make decisions for himself, free from the duty to follow others as well as the responsibility to issue commands over others. The alpha strategy for dealing with unwanted authority is to manipulate the social dominance hierarchy so as to place himself in the position of command. A sigma male, on the other hand, is more likely to simply walk away from a leader with whom he disagrees, and walk along a path he forges for himself.

6

Different leaders

Despite their complicated relationship with authority, both the alpha male and sigma male are prone to ending up in positions of leadership. The reasons for this, however, differ significantly. The alpha, as the natural head of the pack, goes out into the world seeking to act as a leader. He finds fulfilment in taking charge and sitting on top of the social hierarchy. Alphas possess an innate understanding of the dynamics of social hierarchy and are adept at interacting with others based on their respective places within the hierarchy.

The sigma, on the other hand, has no such time for leading according to the imposed dynamics of the social hierarchy. A total lone wolf, the sigma rejects social hierarchies and chooses to conduct himself according to his own set of values, and his own set of values alone. This strong self-knowledge is part of why sigmas end up taking leadership positions. Their unique and driven vision is strong enough for others to naturally fall into step behind, even without the dominant leadership style shown by the alpha.

5

Differences in personality types

Although they both exude their own kind of confidence, alpha males and sigma males tend to possess major differences when it comes to their respective personality types and the kind of social relationships they maintain. Alpha males are naturally outgoing, social butterflies, who enjoy attention and are happy to seek it out. They enjoy working as part of teams, albeit only when they’re in charge of the team! They enjoy their ascent up the social ladder and can be seen to get a kick out of making others like them.

This outgoing, highly social personality type is almost the exact opposite of the typical sigma male. The sigma male is by nature more reserved and introverted, possessing a general disinterest in manifesting the social power that the alpha thrives off of. To their peers, the alpha is likely to appear dominant and charming, while the sigma is more often thought of as aloof, and perhaps even a maverick. 

4

Adaptability

Alpha males and sigma males differ greatly in their adaptability. While the alpha male’s mastery of the social hierarchy is what allows him to dominate his environment, it can also be his downfall when there is a need to adapt. The alpha’s method of dominance is rooted in understanding and controlling the social dynamics of his pack. When these dynamics shift, the alpha can sometimes find himself blindsided and needing to recalibrate.

The sigma does not face such challenges in moments of unexpected change. Throughout life, the sigma is operating solely according to his own gut intuition. That means that when circumstances change without warning, he is already in the prime position to react out of instinct. One of the somewhat surprising benefits of being a lone wolf is the sigma male usually possesses an ability to fit in with any group, making him highly adaptable in different social settings.

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3

Sigmas think for themselves

When it comes to forming outlooks and worldviews, the alpha male is the king of assimilating in to pre-existing structures, and using them for his own benefit. He instinctively knows how to use a pre-existing structure to his own advantage, and will master using the outlook of his peers in order to rise to the top. In contrast, sigma males tend to form world views entirely of their own making, and as such are more likely to be innovators and leaders of their own movements. Whereas an alpha male finds it easiest to rise to the top of a company or team, the sigma male is more prone to a life of entrepreneurship and innovation. For this reason, many of the thought leaders of our time can be characterized as sigma males. Tech innovators such as Steve Jobs and Elon Musk demonstrate the trademark sigma trait of breaking away from the pack, and inspiring others through their ability to think differently.

2

Relationships with women

Alpha males and sigma males are both notable for their tendency to do extremely well with women. The natural confidence and self assurance that they possess present a natural charisma that women find hard to resist. Both can be seen to “play the field”, as they are free from the social pressure to settle, confident in the knowledge that there are always other prospects awaiting them. However, the alpha male is more likely to be seen entering long term commitments with women, as he understands that an advantageous romantic relationship presents the opportunity for social dominance. The sigma male is far more averse to any form of commitment. Prioritizing independence and self-sufficiency above all else, the sigma male will often prefer to go through his whole life as a lone wolf. His natural honesty and lack of inhibitions means that he will usually make this clear to the women he becomes involved with, giving sigma males their reputation as aloof and ephemeral when it comes to matters of romance.   

1

Sigma males reject conformity

The manner in which they handle conformity is one major area where alpha males and sigma males find themselves distinguished from one another. When it comes to fitting in and mastering a trend, the alpha male excels without effort. He is naturally adept at spotting the trends and norms that will be conducive to social dominance and appears to easily use this to his advantage. He wins easy respect from his peers through his ability to effortlessly conform to the latest trend and is often acts as an example for what is cool and acceptable.


The sigma male, conversely, has little time for trends or conformity. A loose cannon by nature, the sigma male is unlikely to be concerned by the comings and goings of social fads, and sometimes appears to be out of touch with social etiquette. This is not for a lack of social awareness; he is simply uninterested in conforming for the sake of what others think. For this reason, sigma males tend to avoid any environments that force them to conform to expectations imposed by anyone but themselves.

As we can see, the alpha and sigma males of our society can sometimes appear to act as counters to one another. In fact, in many circumstances, the sigma male possesses the ability to rise to the role of alpha if he so desires. These sigma males may appear to the outside as alphas for a time, but will renounce their position if it starts to get in the way of their personal freedom and independence.