Equivariant iterated loop space theory and permutative G-categories

We set up operadic foundations for equivariant iterated loop space theory. We start by building up from a discussion of the approximation theorem and recognition principle for V-fold loop G-spaces to several avatars of a recognition principle for infinite loop G-spaces. We then explain what genuine permutative G-categories are and, more generally, what E_∞-G-categories are, giving examples showing how they arise. As an application, we prove the equivariant Barratt-Priddy-Quillen theorem as a statement about genuine G-spectra and use it to give a new, categorical proof of the tom Dieck splitting theorem for suspension G-spectra. Other examples are geared towards equivariant algebraic K-theory.