a formal reclassification of the favelas into proper neighborhood  addresses both self-esteem issues of some of the residents looking for employment, and the approach of employers towards all favelas residents.

while some disagreements remain between residents and city officials on the proper level of improvements required for a favela to qualify as a neighborhood, the overall result is positive and progress is being made. 

there has been much debate on what the proper definition of a favela should be - on this link we posted  a comprehensive definition and more on the topic.