This is no less true in favelas, where individuals tend to find themselves at the hands of often contradictory influences and values: evidenced by the co-existence of churches and crime groups. Friends and networks often help individuals form a path for themselves in amongst these competing forces; young people use each other to form a concrete sense of who they are and what makes them a 'valuable' person.

For this reason, the influence that friendships have on the decisions and life trajectories of individuals in favelas cannot be understated, and is increasingly being incorporated into the philosophy of organizations working to improve conditions in communities.