Published by editora Contraponto in 2005 Favelas Cariocas: 1930 - 1964 (Carioca Favelas 1930 - 1964) by Maria Lais da Silva explores a number of important questions relating to the favelas, such as what relationships existed between these communities and public authorities in the period under question, why these spaces remained and continued to grow despite great resistance to them, and how the real estate boom, industrial development and the national and local landscape affected the way that the question of their existence was addressed.

Amongst the many fascinating revelations made by the author is the fact that Rocinha was not the product of an invasion, but a subdivision authorized by the city.

Maria Lais da Silva researches architecture and urbanism and specializes in popular housing, housing policies, urban management, public policy and local government.