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The impact of inequality preferences on the evolution of cooperation in spatial public goods games

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  • An, Xingyu
  • Li, Xiaogang
  • Wang, Wei
  • Li, Shulan
  • Feng, Jiuming
  • Shi, Lei

Abstract

Evolutionary game theory has revealed powerful mechanisms for the emergence of cooperation, but it often falls short in explaining human behavior because it neglects psychological traits that are well documented empirically. One such trait is concern for inequality, yet its evolutionary consequences remain unclear. We extend classic payoff-based selection by incorporating inequality preferences, characterised by two parameters: attitudes (inequality-averse vs inequality-seeking) and sensitivity (the weight placed on disparities). Relative to indifference, we find that inequality-averse populations achieve the highest cooperation at intermediate sensitivity, while inequality-seeking populations promote cooperation when sensitivity is either very low or very high. The mechanism lies in spatial dynamics: inequality preferences raise the effective fitness of cooperators at the boundary with defectors, driving cluster expansion. Thus, social preferences not only shape individual decisions but also transform evolutionary outcomes, linking behavioral evidence to theory and revealing inequality as a potent force sustaining cooperation.

Suggested Citation

  • An, Xingyu & Li, Xiaogang & Wang, Wei & Li, Shulan & Feng, Jiuming & Shi, Lei, 2026. "The impact of inequality preferences on the evolution of cooperation in spatial public goods games," Applied Mathematics and Computation, Elsevier, vol. 516(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:apmaco:v:516:y:2026:i:c:s0096300325006113
    DOI: 10.1016/j.amc.2025.129886
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