1. The World of The Outsiders
1960’s America
The World of The Outsiders

2. General Setting
The Outsiders presumably takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where S. E. Hinton grew up.
We mostly see the East-side of the city, from the perspective of the Greasers.

3. American Politics
The president of the United States during the early 1960s was John F. Kennedy, Jr.
The President, or JFK as he was often known, was extremely popular and charismatic.
He brought a lot of optimism to the American public in the early years of his term. He worked for Civil Rights and for the disadvantaged.
He was assassinated in 1963 during a Presidential parade.

4. Society
America was a country in turmoil, dealing with the Civil Rights Movement as well as the beginnings of the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam War was met with great conflict at home. As the decade continued, many people became disillusioned with the actions of the government and protested their continued occupation of the then- Communist country.
The Civil Rights movement, which worked for equal rights for African-Americans gained strength throughout the 1950s and early 60s.
Martin Luther King Jr., a reverend from the American South, worked fervently for these rights. He advocated for non-violent protests and peaceful demonstrations.

5. Fashion
During the time period of the novel, Soc “types” would wear madras shirts and khakis. You can see an example of typical clothing below.
James Dean embodied the cultivated Greaser image. Leather jacket, jeans, white t-shirt and boots were typical of boys who emulated the free and uncontrolled lifestyle Dean seemed to live.
Madras Shirt
Cologne
Hair Grease

6. Music and Film Here are some images of popular artists and movies…
The Beach Boys
Paul Newman
Elvis Presley
The Beatles
Beach Movies

7. Drive-Ins
Watching movies at the drive-in theatre was a popular thing to do, especially for teenagers.
The car culture was a big part of society. You’ll notice that cars are often mentioned in the novel.

8. Cars Here are two cars and a gas station mentioned in your book.
Corvair
Ford Mustang
DX Gas Station

9. Drive-In Restaurants
These restaurants were a typical place to take a date. They are also where gangs would hang out.

10. The American Dream
Happiness for the characters of The Outsiders was a girl, a car, some money, a strong group of friends, and probably an ice-cold bottle of soda.
How much has changed?

11. Where Are We Now?
While the 1960s might seem really far away from you, they are still relevant.
The next activity will require you to think about and compare our present-day society with the world Ponyboy and his friends live in.
If you can, ask your parents if they know or remember anything else about the early 1960s.