Matthew Alexander Halkes Carey

Matthew Alexander Halkes Carey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Social Sciences. His research is deeply rooted in ethnographic fieldwork among Tachelhit-Berber speaking communities in the Central High Atlas mountains of Southern Morocco, with additional work in Odessa, Ukraine. He is recognized for his contributions to pragmatic anthropology, particularly in the areas of political organization, subjectivity, and the social role of lying and mistrust.

Education:

• PhD in Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge (2003–2008)
• MPhil in Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge (2002–2003)
• BA in Social Anthropology (First Class Honours), London School of Economics (1998–2001)

Research Interests:
Matthew Carey’s research explores three primary streams: (1) pragmatic anarchism and institutionality, arguing that anarchy emerges from personal dispositions rather than ideology; (2) subjectivity, intimacy, and emotions in the Moroccan High Atlas, focusing on pre-marital sexuality, mental illness, and religious change; and (3) the productive social functions of lying and mistrust, challenging the notion that mistrust is solely corrosive. His work emphasizes the socially constructive role of doubt and ambiguity.

Recent Research Trends:
His recent publications, spanning 2018 to 2025, reflect a sustained focus on moral ambiguity, eschatology, legal oaths, and ethnographic method. Themes include the pluralities of apocalypse, Islamic sincerity (ikhlās), collective oaths among Amazigh communities, and the ethical dimensions of surveillance. These works demonstrate a theoretical richness at the intersection of anthropology, philosophy, and social critique.

Scientific Contributions:

• Principal translator of major French anthropologists (Philippe Descola, Carlo Severi, Jeanne Favret-Saada) into English.
• Editorial board member of HAU: Journal of Ethnographic Theory and Terrain.
• Coordinator of the Religion and Subjectivity research group at the University of Copenhagen.
• Member of the Conflict, Power and Politics research group.

Advising and Grants:
While specific students and grants are not listed in the provided text, his active research output, editorial roles, and group leadership indicate significant scholarly engagement and likely mentorship responsibilities. His work has been supported by academic institutions and research councils, though explicit grants are not detailed here.

Labs and Research Groups:
He leads the Religion and Subjectivity research group and contributes to the Conflict, Power and Politics group, both within the Department of Anthropology. These groups foster interdisciplinary dialogue on key anthropological themes and support collaborative research projects.