Date: Sun, 18 May 1997 13:20:49 -0600 (MDT)
From: Martha Gimenez <gimenez-AT-csf.Colorado.EDU>
Subject: M-FEM: Moderating M-Fem


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