The Maldistribution Thesis (whether a maldistribution in skilled manpower, accumulated wealth, and their implied production of income, goods, and services is demonstrable and the extent to which the thesis explains poverty) is at least in part testable by the amount that redressing old imbalances contributes to the increased income, improved life circumstances, and diminishment of out-migration of the rural Southern poor. The maldistribution of resources is described by geographic and socioeconomic factors, income protection programs, schooling and vocational training, farm income supports, rural housing, and rural-urban allocations in Federal programs. The need for professional health and legal and social services is described, along with ideas on area development versus income guarantees. It is concluded that the Maldistribution Thesis will not likely be put to an adequate test until the political climate in the nation, and particularly the South, shifts away from maldistribution and toward redistribution. (PS)