in fact, the criminal organizations that governed the communities created their own internal order and logic which functioned as an alternative to traditional law, especially in light of the fact that  police forces were actively and violently kept outside these communities.

crimes against fellow community members would be severely punished, and those in financial or familial problems often received targeted support. this created strong community ties and a sense of protective unity.

favela residents are highly aware of the negative preconceptions that emanate from the asphalt, stemming from a long history of difficult relations between the formal city and the hills.  over the decades, many sources referring to favela dwellers have been written through exclusionary lenses, or in detached academic discourse.