The 1960s setting of The Outsiders is depicted through typical fashion, music, films and culture of the time period. Socs wore madras shirts and khakis while Greasers emulated James Dean's leather jacket, jeans and boots look. Popular music included Elvis Presley and The Beatles while iconic films were beach movies and ones starring actors like Paul Newman. Cars, drive-in theaters and restaurants were an important part of teen culture as were pursuing relationships and friendships as depicted in the novel's vision of the American Dream.

1. 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. 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.
Madras Shirts
James Dean
embodied the
cultivated Greaser
image. Leather jacket,
jeans, white t-shirt and
boots were typical of
Hair Grease boys who emulated
the free and
uncontrolled lifestyle
Dean seemed to live.

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

5. 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.

6. Cars
Here are two cars and a
gas station that are
mentioned in the novel.
Chevy Corvair
1965 Ford Mustang DX Gas Station

7. Drive-in Restaurants
These restaurants were a typical place to take a date. They were
also where gangs hung out.

8. 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?

9. Now we will look at few more images of the 1960s
culture while listening to some music of the decade.
Your assignment tonight will be to bring in a picture
and song reminiscent of the time period.
QuickTime™ and a
Video decompressor
are needed to see this picture.