The Impact of Resource Inequality on Cooperative Behavior in Social Dilemmas

Previous research has not yet identified the psychological mechanisms underlying the impact of resource inequality on cooperative behavior. To further explore this issue, this study used two single-factor experiments to investigate the influence of resource inequality on cooperative behavior in social dilemmas, focusing on the mediating role of fairness perception and group identity. The results showed that behavioral heterogeneity was higher under unequal conditions than that under equal conditions. In addition, in unequal groups, high-endowment players exhibited lower cooperation levels than low-endowment players. However, the mediating roles of fairness perception and group identity were not confirmed. This study highlights the complexity of resource inequality's influence on group cooperation and offers new directions for future research.