Why are gangs important to the Greasers and Socs in The Outsiders?

Gangs are important to both the Socs and Greasers throughout the novel because they provide support and friendship to the members. The members of the Greaser gang come from broken homes and the comradery they share helps them deal with difficult struggles throughout their lives. The gangs also provide each member with a sense of identity. The members of the Socs are known for their stylish clothes and fancy cars, while the Greasers are known for their greasy hair and bad boy image. Also, the gangs provide its members with protection. In the violent and dangerous environment, each gang helps defend its members from frequent attacks. The Socs defend each other against the Greasers and vice versa. Both gangs are also important to each character's development throughout the novel. Although the gangs have a significant affect on how each character acts and views themselves, Hinton suggests that one's social life does not define them.