Children in favelas tend to live with their relatives well into their adulthood, partly because of the expense of independence and separate housing, and partly because of ingrained relationships of care and mutual reliance. In some of the less developed favelas, it is not uncommon for siblings, and even entire families, to share rooms, re-enforcing the proximity of their lives and relations with one another.

The family structure is conventionally thought of as essential for surviving the difficulties posed by the favela environment, offering individuals support and favorable conceptions of identity.

The home is a place of communality - lunches and dinner are important times where relatives come together, share stories and reflect upon their day over a home-cooked meal - the importance and symbolism of eating together can be seen in the week-end barbeques (churrascos) that routinely liven-up most favelas across rio, gathering friends and relatives at the sound of pagode .