Dynamics of Wealth Inequality in Simple Artificial Societies
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A simple generative model of a foraging society generates significant wealth inequalities from identical agents on an equal opportunity landscape. These inequalities arise in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium regimes with some societies essentially never reaching equilibrium. Reproduction costs mitigate inequality beyond their affect on intrinsic growth rate. The highest levels of inequality are found during non-equilibrium regimes. Inequality in dynamic regimes is driven by factors different than those driving steady state inequality. Evolutionary pressures drive the intrinsic growth rate as high as possible, leading to a tragedy of the commons.
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