What role do stereotypes play in the novel? How do these stereotypes change or influence the characters’ behaviors and decisions?

Socs and Greasers are stereotyped through the story. Socs are considered spoiled rich kids who get everything handed to them. The Greasers are considered hoodlums and juvenile delinquents. Each group finds belonging in their respective identities. Ponyboy actually defies stereotypes. He is proud to be a greaser, yet he values poetry, literature, movies and learning things.