Abstract

This study examines the presence of linguistic sexism in the memorandum circulars (MCs) issued by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) from 2005 to 2024, assessing adherence to non-sexist language policies mandated by MC No. 12, Series of 2005. Utilizing qualitative content analysis, the research systematically evaluated 452 MCs across five key categories: gender visibility, firstness, occupational role representation, activities, and character attributes. The methodology involved coding and quantifying gendered references within official government documents to determine patterns of linguistic bias. The findings reveal that while female representation in government discourse has increased in certain years, male-dominated language remains prevalent. Gender visibility analysis indicates fluctuating representation, with some years favoring female mentions but failing to achieve sustained gender balance. The analysis of firstness demonstrates a consistent prioritization of male references, reinforcing implicit gender hierarchies. Occupational role representation continues to reflect traditional gender stereotypes, with men disproportionately associated with leadership roles and women linked to caregiving and support positions. Additionally, activity-based mentions show a tendency to depict women in domestic or reproductive roles, while men are associated with decision-making and professional achievements. The examination of character attributes further highlights the reinforcement of gender norms, with women frequently described as "resilient" and "nurturing," whereas men are largely absent from emotional or caregiving descriptors. These findings underscore the persistence of linguistic sexism in CSC’s MCs despite policy mandates for gender-neutral language. The study concludes with a proposed program to institutionalize non-sexist communication practices, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable approach to government discourse.