I made this comment in one of my other answers, but I think it fits with this one too. My wife is a social worker and she would be the first one to tell you that the absence of a father figure makes a huge impact in the way a child acts and behaves.
Early childhood trauma is a very real thing that is gaining more attention these days. Many things can be tied back to a traumatic event that happened early in a child's life.
There are tons of single mothers out there in the world and they do an amazing job. I have much respect for them and what they do for their children each day. I think it is important to make that distinction.
Just because I am saying that a father figure is important doesn't diminish the role of a mother especially when they are the only parent.
The truth is there are some kids who just respond better to a male figure than they do to a female figure. I have seen many students who could not cope in a classroom with a female teacher, but for whatever reason you put them in a room with a strong male role model and their behavior totally changes.
There is something inherent in us that craves the approval and attention of both parents and absent one of the parents although you may grow up to be a fully normal adult, there will still be something missing from your life.
The lessons that we learn from each of our parents (given we are lucky enough to have both) are deep, and lifelong. They shape and mold us into the best version of our adult self that we can be.