CANBERRA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Australians consider scientists, doctors and farmers as the professions most valuable to society, a study has found.
The study, published by the Australian National University (ANU) on Monday, found that politicians, priests and journalists were considered to be the biggest detriment to society.
Farmers, factory workers and tradesmen were found to do the most for society while receiving the least recognition. Researchers found that those professions contributed a lot to society but were not viewed as prestigious by a majority of people.
The study, which was commissioned by the Australian government, surveyed 1,203 Australians about their views on scientists and various other professions.
More than 90 percent of respondents said they believed that the work of Australian scientists had made life easier but 50 percent said that change has happened too quickly.
Researchers found that people who thought scientists and farmers contributed a lot to society were more likely to believe they were not respected for their contribution.
Conversely, respondents who saw science as a prestigious profession did not believe scientists did a lot for Australia.
