Introduction
The novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, set in 1960s suburban Oklahoma, revolves around the rivalry between two gangs divided by socioeconomic status: the working-class “greasers” and the upper-class “Socs” (short for “Socials”). This seemingly insurmountable social division between the haves and have-nots drives much of the novel’s action and tragedy. An analysis of the social divisions in The Outsiders not only provides insight into the novel’s core conflict, but also allows an exploration of the real-world issues of social stratification, prejudice, and class conflict. Examining the social barriers faced by the characters in The Outsiders illustrates the detrimental effects of rigid social divisions and the importance of cross-class understanding.
Soc vs. Greaser: A Clash of Social Classes
Published in 1967, The Outsiders spoke to a generation of American teens and addressed the growing cultural divide between the wealthy, conservative middle class and the working-class youth embracing counterculture. Set in the fictional town of Tulsa, Oklahoma, the novel focuses on two rival gangs: the “greasers”, tough and poor outcasts, and the “Socs”, short for Socials, who are the well-off, preppy athletes. Their violent rivalry stems from the vast gulf between their socioeconomic circumstances. The greasers, from broken homes and impoverished backgrounds, resent the privileged Socs who seem to have everything. These social divisions have created deep animosity and misunderstanding between the two groups, leading to vicious fights, harassment, and tragic deaths. The Outsiders remains a classic YA novel for its resonant message about transcending social barriers through empathy.
Residential Chasms: Homes and Neighborhoods as Social Signifiers
One way Hinton depicts the rigid social divisions in the novel is through the different homes and neighborhoods of the greasers and Socs. The greasers live together in run-down houses on the poor side of town, struggling to pay bills and put food on the table. In contrast, the Socs live in nice homes on the wealthier side of town, never having to worry about their next meal or keeping the lights on. This illustrates the vastly different circumstances the characters were born into simply as a result of social class. Even though they are close in age and live in the same town, a gulf exists between their economic realities, causing animosity and misunderstanding. The divisions are so deep, the characters cannot even physically enter each other's worlds without violence and conflict.
Cultural Divides: Counterculture vs. Preppy Aesthetics
The different cultural styles of the greasers and Socs also exemplify the social divide Hinton portrays. The greasers embrace a rebellious, working-class counterculture - wearing their hair long, donning leather jackets, and listening to rock music. The Socs have a preppy, privileged aesthetic - short hair, madras jackets, and classical tastes. Their cultural identities alienate them from each other, hardening the boundaries of their social divisions. These surface-level cultural signifiers make it difficult for either group to see past their differences. Only when some characters, like Ponyboy, can move past initial perceptions do they realize that Socs and greasers are not so different after all.
A Reflective Exaggeration: 'The Outsiders' vs. Real-World Class Conflict
Some may argue that the social divisions in the novel are an accurate reflection of real stratification in society. While social inequality and class conflict do indeed exist, the extent of the animosity between the greasers and Socs is likely exaggerated for dramatic effect. In reality, social divisions are rarely so cleanly divided as they are portrayed in the novel. There are more complex reasons for conflict between groups that may intersect with class, including race and gender. While the novel provides an accessible exploration of social divisions through the feud between the greasers and Socs, real-world social barriers are nuanced and multidimensional. Still, The Outsiders raises thoughtful questions about the damage caused by entrenched class stereotypes.
Conclusion
Through its depiction of the greaser and Soc social divide, The Outsiders highlights how rigid social divisions can breed animosity, violence, and misunderstanding. But the novel also conveys a hopeful message - that empathy and seeing past surface differences can help bridge these divides. By analyzing the social barriers faced by characters in The Outsiders, readers gain insight into the real-world harms of inflexible social stratification and the importance of cross-class compassion and understanding to overcome them. The Outsiders remains timeless in its resonant exploration of how social divisions separate us and how we can transcend them.
