This thesis aims to bring the theorical reflection regarding the urban transformations occurred in Rio de Janeiro City, as well as it s relation with the Rio de Janeiro s favelas removal process. This exposition is a qualitative research about the favelas stigmatization process in the former Guanabara State, taking into consideration the advance of a removal policy which prevailed during the 60 s and 70 s decades. As an argumentative counterpoint, supported by the use of oral storytelling, it will be presented the history of fight of Guararapes favela, located at the district of Cosme Velho. In order to guarantee the remanence of this favela, it s local residents resorted to buying the lands over the 60 s, what was an unprecedent experience regarding the favelization process in Rio and was, surprisingly, supported by the public authorities. Even though the residents possess the title of such lands, the illegality status still remains and precludes the execution of the urbanization project promised by the State.