Due to the hierarchal nature of the male gender, the pecking order in a group of males is easier to spot than the pecking order in a group of females. From the moment male children obtain the ability to interact with other children of their age, their play is more combative, their verbal interactions more argumentative, and their demeanor more aggressive than their female counterparts. Consequently, an onlooker can easily determine the ranking within a group of males by following a few simple steps.
Note the Physical Characteristics of the Members
In a group of males, ranking is determined by physical means more than verbal fluency. Generally, the Alpha Male of the group, or the member at the top of the hierarchy, possesses a height that allows him to look eye-to-eye or down on his peers. Likewise, the Omega Male, or lowest ranking member, may possess a height that makes him shorter than his fellow beings.
High-ranking males are generally in good condition- muscular, stocky, and attractive, but lower-ranking males are usually shorter and may be less attractive. In most cases, physical characteristics affect the confidence level of the members, and thus, it indirectly influences the hierarchy of the group as a whole. When noting the physical characteristics of each member of a group, however, remember that physical characteristics alone do not determine group hierarchy. Though taller males tend to be more dominating, in some cases, the shortest male of a group may be Alpha Male while the tallest male may inhabit the lowest position. When observing a group of males, just keep in mind the physical characteristics of the members and know that they tend to influence hierarchy.
Read the Body Language
High-ranking males will appear more confident and relaxed than the rest of the members in the group. When sitting, a dominant male may recline in his chair and fold his hands behind his head, leaving vulnerable areas of his body exposed and indicating his high amount of confidence. He may elongate his body by resting his feet on an object in front of him or stretching out his arms. Submissive males, however, will try to make themselves appear smaller. This includes folding their arms over their chest or hunching forward while conversing with fellow males. Sometimes, submissive males may touch their face or wring their hands as nervous gestures.
The level of touching may also indicate one's place in the hierarchy. Dominant males tend to invade the space of their subordinates, and they may reach out to touch them. During group romping sessions, dominate males generally initiate rough play with a taunting shove or other gesture. Though subordinate males usually return these gestures, the dominate members tend to initiate the contact, and the submissive male usually ‘gives in' and will end the romp by failing to return a gesture or showing his palms to the other male. Sometimes, the Omega Male of a group can be spotted by watching the touching between members. In certain cases, a high-ranking male will indicate the Omega Male by granting him with a condescending touch on his upper body that sprouts laughter from the other males of the group. This may be in the form of a playful bat on the face, a ruffle of the hair, or a similar gesture.
Dominant males tend to make eye contact with more submissive members of the group. Submissive males, however, will make eye contact only briefly and then look down or away from their more dominant peer.
Examine the Communication Style
Who tells the jokes in the group? Who laughs at the jokes? In general, the Alpha Male will appear the ‘funniest' member of the group because his jokes will elicit the most laughter. In this case, laughter is a gesture of submission. If a non-Alpha member tells a joke, the highest-ranking male will usually be the first to laugh at the joke, and the others will follow. Though communication style is less important in the male pecking order than in female groups, it remains another factor that allows an observer to spot hierarchy among the group members.
