Teachers, members of the armed forces and doctors emerge most trustworthy – Ipsos Global Trustworthiness Index 2023
What professions do urban Indians trust most? And global citizens?
The Ipsos Global Trustworthiness Index 2023 that tracks trustworthiness or untrustworthiness of 18 different groups in the minds of global citizens (including Indians) shows, urban Indians trust teachers (53%), members of the armed forces (52%) and doctors (51%), most. Trust for these professions was seen to be higher in India than distrust. Some of the other professions rated trustworthy included scientists (49%), judges (46%), ordinary men and women (46%) and bankers (45%).
While global citizens rated doctors (58%), scientists (57%), teachers (53%) and members of the armed forces, most trustworthy.
The survey was conducted in in 31 countries covering an international sample of 22,816 adults.
Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India, said, “Urban Indians trust teachers, members of the armed forces and doctors most, as per the Ipsos Global Trustworthiness Index 2023, which is not surprising, and I believe it is to do with dedication and serving the citizens. These professions are the critical cogs in our society – teachers mould the foundation of the society; armed forces display indomitable spirit in securing our frontiers always and everytime and doctors display the zeal to keep the society healthy.”
“During the pandemic while the whole nation was in lockdowns etc, these three professions stepped up and continued to serve the nation. Teachers seamlessly moved to online classes, saving students a crucial year with no disruption. The Armed Forces never let the guard down and doctors did not fail in duty during the pandemic, even at the cost of personal safety,” added Adarkar.
Teachers high on trustworthiness
Teachers were seen to be high on trustworthiness across majority of markets polled, except Japan, where distrust was more than trust. South Korea was also seen to have low trust in teachers.
Polarized views for trust in armed forces across a number of markets, excluding India
Untrustworthy professions
Professions perceived to be most untrustworthy by urban Indians were largely those wielding much power: Cabinet officials & government ministers (39%), politicians generally (38%), clergy/ priests (34%), police (33%), govt employers and civil servants (32%), lawyers (32%) and journalists (30%) etc.
Global citizens had more pronounced views for untrustworthiness: 60% rated politicians most untrustworthy, followed by cabinet officials/ govt. ministers (53%), advertising executives (43%) and clergy/ priests (40%).
"Perception is not reality. But despite a lot of transparency in Indian politics and functioning of govt departments, citizens continue to distrust them. These professions have never had a squeaky clean image with some instances of corruption surfacing and they have mired the image. Though the actual reality is something else. All these professions come with a lot of accountability, with zero tolerance for lack of ethics and have repercussions," stated Adarkar.
