In The Outsiders, how and why does Ponyboy's opinion of the Socs change by the end of the story? Include quotes from the story.

When the story begins, Ponyboy doesn't really even consider the Socs as actual people. The Socs are an enemy group made up of a bunch of spoiled rich kids, and they are to be disliked and fought.

Not like the Socs, who jump greasers and wreck houses and throw beer blasts for kicks, and get editorials in the paper for being a public disgrace one day and an asset to society the next.

Ponyboy's opinion of the Socs begins to change quite early in the story, and much of that has to do with Cherry. She is a Soc, yet she doesn't have a problem talking to Ponyboy. The two characters have some great conversations throughout the book, but already in their first conversation Cherry gets Ponyboy to consider the idea that the Socs are regular people with problems just like the Greasers.

Cherry no longer looked sick, only sad. "I'll bet you think the Socs have it made. The rich kids, the West-side Socs. I'll tell you something, Ponyboy, and it may come as a surprise. We have troubles you've never even heard of. You want to know something?" She looked me straight in the eye. "Things are rough all over."
"I believe you," I said.

As events continue to unfold in the story, Ponyboy's attitude toward the Socs continues to evolve. By the final third of the book, Ponyboy is able to look past the "Soc" label and see Randy for just the guy that he is.

"My name's Ponyboy," I said. "Nice talkin' to you, Randy."
I walked over to Two-Bit, and Randy honked for his friends to come and get into the car. "
What'd he want?" Two-Bit asked. "What'd Mr. Super-Soc have to say?"
"He ain't a Soc," I said, "he's just a guy. He just wanted to talk."