I don't think it's as-different-as-it-used-to-be for men and women now but I agree with the sentiment.

Becoming an engaged father shifted my perspective on who I am, changed opinions on societal matters, and made me feel like the person I was -- despite, from a young age, spending non-trivial amounts of time on contemplating morality and society and considering myself as a youth to be "mature for my age" -- was a selfish git.

I went from "c'mon what's the harm"-ing naysayers to "HEY think big picture! LONG term!" on SO many aspects of life.

The man I was would not get along with the father I am.

Your statement won't be popular, but I agree that, statistically-speaking, it's an overt intellectual "next stage".