How does the absence of a father figure affect a boy's development into manhood?

The absence of a father can have complex effects on a boy's development. While it may lead to a lack of male role models, it can sometimes be better than having a poor father figure. Boys may adopt traits from their environment, and if they lack a positive male influence, they might struggle to develop certain masculine qualities. However, awareness of this absence can empower them to seek out positive role models and work on their development.