Ethnic Visibility

The political utility of ethnicity is typically attributed to the ease with which it can be observed. However, ethnic visibility not universal, and I argue that its variation has implications; namely more visible group members support parties at higher rates because they have most gain (or lose) from ethnopolitical competition. Using original data Malawi, find individual-level indeed strongly associated party support. provide further evidence induces instrumentally by shaping expectations about others’ ability correctly infer belonging. also show theory generalizes level, groups across Africa being likely vote ethnically. These results qualify a central assumption in instrumental theories politics—that identities are always visible—and help explain success mobilization.