The method developed by Herbert Simon to study social movements through analysis of leadership is divided into (a) rhetorical requirements, (b) rhetorical problems, and (c) rhetorical strategies. The author contends that for movement studies in general, Simon does provide a good outline and guide for use by the rhetorician, but that it is difficult to apply this theory to the women's liberation movement, because the leader-centered approach conflicts with evidence that the women's movement seeks to dissuade any hierarchical structure. This may be an insubstantive issue, however, in that whether a specific leader or a group as a whole provides the direction, both must still contend with the rhetorical problems, requirements, and strategies. The author believes that, as an overall goal, contemporary feminists are striving through various rhetorical strategies to achieve the right or power to assert an individual identity. (EE)