The Surprising Science of Alpha Males - Frans de Waal - TED - 2017

Explore the fascinating world of primate social structures and their parallels to human society in this insightful 16-minute TED talk. Delve into primatologist Frans de Waal's research on alpha males in nature, challenging popular misconceptions and revealing surprising truths about leadership, community, and solidarity. Discover how studying primate behavior can provide valuable insights into human social dynamics, from the characteristics of effective leaders to the importance of coalition-building. Learn about the true meaning of being an "alpha" in both animal and human contexts, including the privileges and obligations that come with the role. Examine the concept of alpha females and gain a deeper understanding of how these findings can inform our perspectives on human social structures and leadership selection.

Intro
Masai male
Alpha male
Bipedal swagger
Coalition formation
Unity
Becoming an alpha male
Holding babies
Privileges
Obligations
Alpha females