written in 2000, A GÊNESE DA FAVELA CARIOCA. A produção anterior às ciências sociais (The Genesis of the Carioca Favela. the productions before social sciences) by Licia do prado Valladares introduces the favela into political and social discourse about the beginning and first half of the 20th century, demonstrating the important role it played in discussions between men of letters, power and action. 

Using and compiling literature on various topics, Valladares seeks to confirm the growing importance of the favelas in social imagination, informed discourse and urban practice of the period.

The work looks to reveal the way in which the social construction of the favela took place, at a time when knowledge and action were inseparable - At a time also when the concerns of the carioca and national intelligentsia were focus on the future of the Republic, the health of society, national sanitation and the beautification of the landscape.