Resumen
In this book the author discusses her experience over forty years (1968-2008) of systematically observing residents of low income communities (?favelas?) in Rio de Janeiro, by way of some 2.500 interviews with residents and ex-residents. These interviews covered: the way they lived, their wishes, aspirations dreams, and expectations regarding life in the ?favela?, and changes which took place, such as social advance. In addition to field observations, Janice (the author) reports on her contacts with several Brazilian intellectuals involved in social affairs, such as Ruth Cardoso (late wife of ex- President Cardoso), Carlos Lessa, Alba Zaluar, Lu Peterson, Sergio Besserman, Herbert de Souza, among other influential authors involved with poverty studies in Brazil.