Though these terms have only come into popular use relatively recently, they have been used in anthropology for some time, and originate from the domain of ethology (the study of animal behaviour), where they are used to describe how members of a particular animal species interact to form a distinct, recognizable social group. The expression omega male has popped up during the last couple of years as a way of referring to the direct antithesis of the alpha male, a strong, successful man who likes to be in charge of others. Though the label omega male has negative overtones, arguably functioning as a kind of euphemism for reference to a ' slacker', a recent article in Canada's Globe and Mail puts a positive spin on the concept in relation to parenthood, pointing out that: Roger Greenberg is a guy who is 'having trouble being a man', a failed musician turned carpenter who, refusing to conform to society's expectations, struggles to start a relationship and find a path in life he is comfortable with. The characteristic omega male traits have been brought to life in the 2010 film Greenberg, a comedy drama featuring US actor Ben Stiller in the title role. The omega male is a fun-loving but non-aspirational individual who is reluctant to 'grow up' by embracing classic social imperatives like marriage, family and holding down a regular job.
Typical omega male traits include an intense interest in a particular hobby, which consequently draws his time and energies away from the conventionally 'important' things in life, like work or romantic relationships. The omega male is a man who, defying all male stereotypes, doesn't have the desire to be the most outstanding performer or to take the lead in a particular situation.
The omega male is a fun-loving but non-aspirational individual who is reluctant to 'grow up' by embracing classic social imperatives like marriage, family and holding down a regular job
And yet another addition to this group of expressions is the term omega male, a chap identified by his lack of enthusiasm for the conventional idea that men always aspire to being the most dominant influence in the home or workplace. It's therefore no surprise then that during the course of BuzzWord we've looked at a range of words which reflect this theme, from the metrosexual (the man in touch with his feminine side), or the security mom (a US mum preoccupied with terrorist threats), through to the denture venturer (an older person who gives up work in order to travel), or the quirkyalone (a person who prefers to stay single until the right partner comes along). Society is perpetually preoccupied with evaluating the stereotypical qualities, roles and aspirations of men and women, and where there's a preoccupation, there's likely to be new language.
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