Zhiying Ma, an assistant professor at the University of Chicago, explores mental health and familial dynamics in contemporary China. She discusses the challenges families face under the 2013 Mental Health Law, which reinforces familial control over patients. Through her ethnographic research, Ma introduces the concept of 'biopolitical paternalism,' examining how government policies shape family involvement in care. Her insights reveal the ethical tensions and health disparities arising from these dynamics, shedding light on the interconnectedness of mental health, societal norms, and governance.
