Friendship is one of the strongest forms of social capital in favelas, offering residents support networks outside of the extended family unit and avenues through which to shape their identity and sense of self-worth - Groups of friends exhibit a strong sense of loyalty and care for one another. Groups tend to provide a sense of stability in an often precarious and fluctuating world.

Underpinning this is a sense of trade, of gaining trust and devotion through an exchange of care and support. Everyday recreations and games in the favelas create a sense of communality, and enrich the lives of young and old alike.

A seminal modern-day example of this is kite-flying - large numbers of hand-made kites are liberated in the blue skies above favelas, while their pilots work tirelessly to 'take down' opponents by cutting through their wire.