Re-Launching Socialist Studies

Abstract

This issue marks the relaunch of the journal Socialist Studies. Beginning with this issue, and over the next few years, we seek to establish a stronger, more visible presence for the journal, making Socialist Studies an essential part of the debate among the critical left in Canada, and beyond. Capitalism is in crisis, once again. A few have more wealth than they could possibly use in a thousand lifetimes, while over a billion others live without enough to eat. More goods and services are being produced than at any other time in history, yet masses of human beings struggle to provide food, shelter and clothing for themselves and their families. The world is in need of alternatives and a space for dialogue around critiques and alternatives is vital, for new and established scholars, activists and others. Socialist Studies has an essential role to play, providing a place both for critical reflections on the capitalist world system and for discussions about a more equal, just world beyond capitalism. This new step, aiming to increase the content, visibility and utility of Socialist Studies for critical scholars and activists on the left, is the latest development in the life of the journal. In May 2005, Socialist Studies: the Journal of the Society of Socialist Studies was established as a peerreviewed, interdisciplinary journal, replacing the Socialist Studies Bulletin, a more informal publication mainly featuring contributions by members of the Society for Socialist Studies. Sandra Rollings-Magnusson, a sociologist from Grant MacEwan University, served as the editor of Socialist Studies for the first nine issues, shepherding the journal through its early years and transition to a fully on-line journal in 2008. In this, she was supported by the energies of many committed volunteers, including the executive and 'lay' members of the Society for Socialist Studies.