Final answer:
The basic models of consumption decisions assume that household consumption patterns will not change regardless of which parent or guardian receives the money, as they are expected to work towards maximizing the family's utility. However, this assumption may not hold true for all families, as individual preferences can vary and affect consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding decision makers in U.S families and how a change in policy might affect household consumption patterns touches upon key concepts within the social studies and sociology context. The assumption in basic models of consumption decisions is that it does not matter whether the mother or father, or any parent or guardian, receives the money. These models operate on the premise that all members of a family will seek to maximize the family's utility as a whole, suggesting uniform preferences within the family unit. Though this may not always align with the diversity and dynamics of modern U.S. families, it underpins many simplistic economic models.
Historically, certain individuals have been identified as the primary decision makers within U.S. families, often related to traditional roles. However, this is a rapidly changing dynamic and modern families may not fit into these traditional molds. Research has indicated that family structure and the distribution of financial power within households can indeed influence consumption patterns. For instance, a policy change that allocates funds to different family members can potentially shift household spending depending on the unique preferences and priorities of the individual receiving the resources.