Frequently Asked questions (FAQs) about Gender & Society’s Connection with SWS

• In order to receive digital access to G&S, members will need to create an account (if they haven't already) for https://journals.sagepub.com/. 
• Members need to visit this site: https://journals.sagepub.com/token/AVMXDIGXNJC59ZZM5EAS/SWS. 
• Under the section that says society, members need to look up Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS). 
• Then a button will populate for Membership Login. 
• Members will need to log into the SWS membership account and the token should activate for access to G&S. 

What is Gender & Society (G&S)? 

• Gender & Society is a flagship gender journal (2024 impact factor 3.4) that is the official publication of SWS. Any gender studies scholar can submit an article for peer-review. You do not have to be a member of SWS in order to publish in Gender & Society.

How are G&S editors or co-editors selected?

• The process to become a journal editor/co-editor is extremely competitive. Editors/co-editors are not elected by the members of SWS; they are appointed through a rigorous selection process. Scholars apply to be the editor of Gender & Society and a search committee of SWS members is formed with support from and appointed by the SWS Publications Committee (PUBS).

• Editors/co-editors are invited to serve for a term of 4 years, followed by a three-month transition period to the next editorial team. The current co-editors’ term officially began in May 2023 and will conclude in August 2027. 

How is the PUBS Committee organized/appointed? And what forms of support does the PUBS committee provide of G&S?

• The PUBS Committee has 6 elected members by members of SWS. Each year, SWS members elect two new members. The PUBS Committee selects its co-chairs who serve staggered terms to ensure and preserve institutional memory. Six non-voting members on this committee include the Treasurer (Treasurer-Elect may observe), Gender & Society Editor/Co-editors, Book Review Editor, and the Executive Officer. The PUBS Committee reports to the Council.

• The PUBS Committee oversees publications issued by SWS. The committee’s duties include (but are not limited to): negotiation of a contract with publisher for Gender & Society, appointment of editors/co-editors for Gender & Society, and approval of budgets for the journal, review of proposals for special issues of Gender & Society, and appointment of the Gender & Society Book Review editor. 

How do the G&S editors or co-editors work with SWS?

• Editors/co-editors report to the Publications (PUBS) Committee of SWS. The editors/co-editors are not elected officers within SWS nor are they appointed by SWS leadership (i.e., SWS Council or the SWS Executive Office). Key decisions regarding the journal, such as approving special issue proposals and appointment of editorial board members, are made in consultation with the PUBS committee. 

What are the core responsibilities of a Gender & Society editor/co-editor?

• Editors/co-editors are responsible for the journal content during their editorship, publishing six issues/year, and managing the journal and editorial team on a day-to-day basis. They correspond as needed with PUBS Committee co-chairs, recommending members for the editorial board and deputy editor roles, keeping them (the PUBS Committee co-chairs) abreast of any issues and suggesting relevant policy changes. Editors/co-editors are required to issue formal reports twice yearly to the editorial board and SWS PUBS committee.

What is the difference between a Gender & Society editor/co-editor and a Gender & Society deputy editor?

• The G&S editors/co-editors are SWS authorized agents in exercising editorial control of G&S and fulfilling the responsibilities of G&S. The editors/co-editors have final authority over the content of G&S and report to the SWS PUBS Committee. In consultation with the PUBS Committee, the G&S editor/co-editors are the sole representative(s) of SWS to communicate to the publisher and make decisions on editorial policy and content of G&S.  

• The G&S deputy editors support the editors/co-editors and attend all editorial board meetings. They handle up to 40 articles per year, which consists of selecting and communicating with reviewers, reading and summarizing reviews, drafting language for decision letters, and communicating with the managing editors and editors. 

How are the Gender & Society Editorial Boards and deputy editors selected? And how many people are in these roles?

• There is no fixed number. The group of G&S Deputy Editors and the size of the Editorial Board have varied over the years and are determined by the needs of the G&S editors/co-editors. In previous years, G&S has had 4-5 deputy editors. Editorial board members serve three year terms.

How does Gender & Society address racist, sexist, or otherwise discriminatory reviews?  

• If racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination appear in a review, the G&S Editorial Team may deal with that in one or more of the following ways: 1) by redacting those portions of the review; 2) by retracting the review altogether and seeking a new review; 3) by discussing the issues with the reviewer and asking for a revised review. Depending on the response, an individual may be removed from our reviewer pool. Authors and other reviewers are encouraged to report instances of discrimination in reviews to the G&S editors/co-editors directly. Alternatively, reports may be made to deputy editors or members of our editorial board. Reports can be submitted via email to [email protected]. 

If you have more questions about Gender & Society, email [email protected]. If you have questions about SWS, email [email protected].