The emergence of generalized exchange

The existence of generalized exchange characterized by unilateral resource giving has been a puzzle when we assume rational actors, because free ridin g can occur. This article first identifies pure-generalized exchange in whi ch each actor gives resources to the recipient(s) of his choice. Then, it p roposes the fairness-based selective-giving strategy. An actor adopting thi s strategy selects a recipient whose behaviors satisfy her criterion of fai rness, provided perfect information is given. The results of evolutionary s imulation show that pure-generalized exchange can emerge among egoists with out collective norms, even in societies in which individuals have informati on only about their immediate neighbors.