There are two very distinct schools of thought concerning the causation of many of Appalachia'a problems. One school treats the region's socio-cultural pecularities as the major cause of developmental problems; the other blames the coal industry. This paper suggests that, at the base, both schools of thought are valid in explaining cause and effect. In other words, the autonomous qualities and social organization of early rural Appalachia were such that they made possible the subsequent encroachment of the coal industry on the region. Some drastic technological changes have occurred in rural Appalachia in the last few decades which have correspondingly brought about drastic changes in the rural social organization and in development outlook, including the role of the coal industry. This paper presents an overview of these changes, and answers other specific questions such as: Was the closing of coal mines the reason for the Great Appalachian Out-Migration? Why have rural Appalachians moved to the city later than other rural people, including those of more prosperous regions? Why did the so-called "culture of poverty" appear among low-income families which only a few decades earlier were considered respectable and norm abiding? Why is it so difficult to change these families today? Why, in spite of increased educational level and level of living has fundamentalism persisted in rural Appalachia? Future trends which are speculative in nature are discussed. (Author/NQ)