Socioeconomic Differences In The Outsiders

Throughout “The Outsiders” the socioeconomic differences roles play a key part in the development of the story. There are two main groups in the story, the Socs and the Greasers, who are torn apart by this difference. The Socs are rich kids from the West-side and their name is an abbreviation for the Socials. They jump the Greasers, ruin houses, and throw beer blasts for fun, and they could be in the papers for being a public humiliation one day and be a benefit to the community the next day. The Greasers on the other hand are kids in the East Side who are much poorer than the Socs and middle class. They are more reckless and according to Ponyboy they are almost like hoods and, “ steal things and drive old souped-up cars and hold up gas stations
Due to the social status differences between the Socs and the Greasers, they believe that virtually they are divergent from each other. However, this is not the case as it can be seen that both groups do have similar interests and also have individuals who understand their socioeconomic differences. In chapter 2 of The Outsiders, Ponyboy, Johnny, and Two-Bit-who are Greasers- meets Cherry and Marcia who are Socs. They talk with each other and soon after they can see that they have much alike. For example, when Ponyboy was talking to Cherry, they both realize that they have some common interests such as Elvis Presley and watching sunsets. They also come to realize that they have different sets of values which is the reason that separates them. Marcia and Two-Bit also are described to have the same sense of humor. As the story continues, Ponyboy learns that the Socs and Greasers are actually complementary to each other and that they have their own hardships. With the presence of the socioeconomic differences, individuals such as Ponyboy(a Greaser) and Cherry(a Socs) are able to communicate better and show a more kind and sensitive side of