Cortiço

[1][2] The book portrayed aspects of poverty in urban society during the late 19th century in Rio de Janeiro.

[2] In Rio de Janeiro during the 1890s, cortiços were poorly constructed tenements pieced together and stacked atop one-another, whereby they resembled beehives.

[1] During this time, cortiço tenants lived in cramped and crowded conditions, with poor quality water and sanitation facilities.

[2] Kitchen areas were shared, and cortiços typically lacked open spaces, an ability to obtain much privacy, ventilation and sunlight.

[2] Per assessments performed and conclusions devised by some analysts, city officials and documents may also ignore the aspect of cortiços in São Paulo.

[2] Today in São Paulo, some cortiços are owned by landlords and their associates, who charge rental fees, and it can be a very profitable enterprise.