Final answer:
The calculus of gratitude affects paternal decisions on resource allocation in a family by potentially influencing fathers to support children who show gratitude. Studies highlight that control over financial resources between mothers and fathers leads to different consumption patterns, with the mother's control often aligning more with children's welfare improvements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The calculus of gratitude refers to how familial dynamics, specifically the recognition and reward of support within family members, influence decisions on resource allocation. This concept plays a role in decisions by fathers regarding which children to support when considering the distribution of resources within the family. Fathers may allocate more resources to children who express gratitude or reciprocate in some way since this may be seen as more rewarding.
As studies have shown, who controls the household's finances, whether it's the mother or father, significantly affects what the household consumes. Differences in spending patterns reveal underlying preferences that may not be aligned within the family. The mother's increased control over finances often leads to spending in areas that benefit children's health and family wellbeing, contrasting with the expenditures when fathers have more financial control. The calculus of gratitude might come into play as fathers consider the gratitude expressed by family members when making financial decisions.