Who are the Socs?

The Socs are a gang consisting of wealthy teenagers from affluent families, who are rivals with the Greaser gang throughout the novel. The Socs are portrayed as privileged adolescents who engage in delinquent behavior by terrorizing Greasers and throwing chaotic parties.
Cherry Valance is a Soc and cheerleader who gives Ponyboy insight into the nature of the Soc gang. She describes most Soc members as being callous, insensitive individuals who are only concerned about material objects, looking better than others, and having fun. Socs are also depicted as violent individuals, who ruthlessly beat Johnny and attempt to murder Ponyboy.
Despite their aggressive behavior and superior-minded personalities, Ponyboy learns that some Socs are sensitive, introspective people. Cherry is portrayed as an honest, compassionate person and Randy Adderson is depicted as a sensitive, sympathetic individual. The Socs end up losing the rumble against the Greasers towards the end of the novel, and Ponyboy discovers that he has more in common with the rival gang members than he previously thought.