By recasting social welfare polices to tap the sentiments of Homo reciprocans , it is possible to build an egalitarian society, according to Bowles and Gintis. But far from solving the problems of policy-makers, Homo reciprocans presents a real conundrum for those who wish to reduce inequality. Homo reciprocans is generous. But that generosity is rooted in reciprocity not altruism.
Homo reciprocans seeks fair terms for social cooperation and is vindictive to free riders.
In addition, because it is easier to strike a deal and enforce it with someone who shares your idea of fairness than with someone who may or may not share it, Homo reciprocans is more generous with others in close social proximity than with others at a great social distance. Thus families, religious communities, and local government jurisdictions historically provided an economic safety net for their own members. However, when help is available only from a small homogeneous group, the vulnerable must accept the definition of fairness set by the strong members of the group even when doing so reinforces their own vulnerability. This is why modern welfare state policies have consistently tried to break the link between economic well-being and individuals' dependence on small social groups. Local supervision of such mothers was a central rationale for the existence of mother's pensions, because it seemed to overcome the free rider problem.