Cultural initiatives improve individuals' self esteem and sense of identity as well as altering external conceptions of the 'hills'. Both of these factors are fundamental in the urbanization process, which looks to effectively integrate favelas into the wider city. 

published by the Instituto de Segurança Pública - ISP, respect as an answer to youth crime in favelas: a study of the prevention of youth crime in the favelas of rio de janeiro, by cultural anthropologist floortje van soest at utrecht university provides insight in the world of drug gangs from a social angle.  

In 2001 the Brazilian NGO instituto brasileiro de inovação em saúde social -  ibiss started an intervention program against crime - called 'Soldiers Never again' (soldados nunca mais), the program uses arts and cultural activities to prevent youth from entering the criminal world inside favelas by organizing targeted activities, which earn the youngster social respect, which in turn prevents them from engaging in illegal activities.