Beth E. Schneider (1996-1999)

Abstract

1992), coedited by Doris Wilkinson, Maxine Baca Zinn, and Esther Ngan Ling Chow; and Sexual Identities/Sexual Communities (September 1994), edited by Beth E. Schneider. Each of these called attention to critical theo retical and empirical topics that marked the time. Although Marxist-feminist theory is less visible now, eclipsed by developments in queer theory, inter sectional theory, and other contemporary perspectives, this issue remains an important feminist commentary on the connections of class, reproduc tion, and production. The issue on Race, Class, and likewise heralded the emerging interest in how gender is manifested differently in different social locations and how race, class, and gender support each other as intersecting systems of domination. And the special issue on Sexual Identities/Sexual Communities provided a space for newly emerging and exciting work on sexuality that has continued to bloom ever since. The pace required to edit a journal is not for those who like a sense of completion. There is always something that needs to be done—reviewing a manuscript, selecting a reviewer, writing decision letters, line-editing an accepted paper, proofing the forthcoming issue, and so forth. But despite the pace, it was fun being Editor. I actually learned to find line-editing relaxing, although my own editors now do not believe me when I say that reviewing page proofs does not feel like work to me (actually, because it is now typically done in front of a screen, not sitting outdoors, it does feel more like work!). Editing Gender & Society improved my own writing skills and taught me how to see a kernel of an idea that can be brought forward through better writing. I have little patience for obtuse arguments, unnecessary phrases, and fancy jargon that can be made clearer with sim pler words. In the end, Gender & Society was surely one of the most satis fying activities of my now long academic career.