Why Do Men Care About Status? · The Good Man Project

Why Do Men Care About Status?

Sex.

Or, to put it more appropriately, procreation.

Have you ever stopped to think about why so many of us push ourselves so hard to be better, to be successful, or to stand out?

It actually has nothing to do with vanity or being egotistical. It’s much deeper than blue check marks on social media or ‘likes’ on our shirtless locker room selfies.

It’s biological.

For thousands of years, men who had higher status—whether it was in their tribe or community—were more successful at attracting partners.

Why? No, it’s not because women are gold diggers.

It’s because status meant survival. Because you had access to resources like food, shelter, and protection.

It meant alliances with other powerful people. It meant you could provide for a family and keep them safe.

Even though the world has changed, that drive to become a high-status male hasn’t.

Although the way we signal strength and status has changed, what used to be heads of cattle have now become Ferraris.

Status is still ingrained into our biology as a sign of strong genes and the ability to provide for and protect children.

When you work hard, set goals, or even try to improve yourself in the gym or your career, a lot of that comes back to signaling to sexual partners that you’re capable, reliable, and someone others can respect or depend on.

Here’s how it works:

Status Means Stability: When you’re confident and successful, it shows you can handle challenges and provide security.
Status Builds Connection: Higher status gives you influence—it makes people trust and respect you more.
Status Shows Strength: Being ambitious or driven signals that you’re capable and ready to show up for others.

This isn’t about being flashy or "alpha." It’s about building the qualities that make you a strong, reliable, and attractive partner—someone people want to be around and can trust to have their backs.

Whether you’re single right now or you’re in a long-term relationship, the biological signals of a high-status, healthy partner never lose their desirability.

What does this bring up for you?

0 comments