File spoon-archives/marxism-feminism.archive/marxism-feminism_1997/marxism-feminism.9705, message 30


Date: Tue, 20 May 1997 02:03:07 -0400 (EDT)
From: Martha Rosler <navadada-AT-idt.net>
Subject: Re: M-FEM: Moderating M-Fem


just a quick note in support of martha g's desire for a theoretical list.
I don't mind the "experience-based" exchanges but I have found, on other
lists, that they have tended to determine the direction and level of
exchanges unless there is a strong effort to keep theoretical exchanges at
the fore.I hope to learn, and personally I believe I will benefit mor
here from the more theory-minded  posts.
martha rosler
brooklyn, new york

On Sun, 18 May 1997, Martha Gimenez wrote:

> Hello everyone!  
> 
> I joined this list recently and, shortly after,  we learned that there
> might be a possibility it might end.  I wrote to the former moderator
> offering to help and, in the meantime, Carrol wrote to the list with the
> same offer to step in.  Carrol and I have been exchanging views and I
> decided to give it a try as co-moderator with him.
> 
> I will start by telling you a little about my self and my views. I am a
> sociologist by training and teach courses on Marxist Theory, Social
> Stratification, Feminist Theory, Population theory and Sociological
> Theory. I have published a number of articles and book chapters on my
> version of marxist-feminist theory and the reason I joined this list was
> to learn more from what others might be thinking and writing on marxist-
> feminism. In my mind, there is a deep difference between
> socialist-feminism, which radically separates capitalism from
> "patriarchy," and marxist-feminism, which explores the historically
> specific forms and supports of gender inequality within capitalism.
> Marxist-feminism has been relatively marginalized in feminist writings and
> its adherents are few and probably do not know each other well, because
> their work tends to be known among fewer people.  This list offers the
> opportunity for those who share these views, regardless of how they
> actually conceptualize the connection between capitalism and gender
> inequality, to get to know each other, to exchange ideas, to learn about
> each other's work, to support each other's work perhaps offering feedback
> on work in progress, to choose books to read and discuss in the list, etc.
> There are many and very important possible uses for this list.
> 
> I must say that I was a bit disappointed and confused by the recent
> exchange of ideas.  While I believe that we learn from personal
> experiences, if one of the goals of this list is the development of
> marxist feminism, it is important to place those experiences in a
> theoretical context.  For example, to me, Linda's original message about
> the meaning and effects of childbirth suggests very rich avenues to
> explore, such as Marx's concept of nature in the Early Manuscripts and the
> relationship between nature and our humanity. Instead....
> 
> As moderators, Carrol and I have modest goals: to quell flames and to keep
> the discussion going in ways we, in our different ways, consider fruitful.
> 
> If members of the list consider that my understanding of the list's goals
> is mistaken (after all, I am a very recent member) and they see it as a
> forum for more personal exchanges and discussion of the political
> activities of its members, let me know and I shall, without feeling
> rejected, step out.  And if the list, despite its attempts to focus on
> theoretical issues, remains at the level of personal experiences and
> rejoinders, then I will step out.   And if there are others who would like
> to work with us, please let us know.
> 
> I don't know what the list was like before - I am not sure I like what I
> saw so far but I believe it is very important it continues and develops to
> become a significant resource.  
> 
> In solidarity,
> 
> Martha
> 
> ********************************
> Martha E. Gimenez
> Department of Sociology
> Campus Box 327
> University of Colorado at Boulder
> Boulder, Colorado 80309
> Voice:  303-492-7080
> Fax:  303-492-5105
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 


   

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