Disability as Social Construction: Production, Rejected Bodies, and Social Exclusion in The Metamorphosis

Asmita Maurya; Soni Tripathi

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.79791

Disability as Social Construction: Production, Rejected Bodies, and Social Exclusion in The Metamorphosis

Author(s)	Ms. Asmita Maurya, Dr. Soni Tripathi
Country	India
Abstract	The study proposes a new approach to discussing Franz Kafka’s novella The Metamorphosis by using the disability studies as formulated by Susan Wendell. Unlike the existing interpretations of the protagonist’s metamorphosis as an existential issue or an allegory for the flaws of capitalist exploitation, this paper redefines the character’s change as a condition of social disability rather than a biological impairment. The study proposes a new approach to discussing Franz Kafka’s novella The Metamorphosis by using the disability studies as formulated by Susan Wendell. Unlike the existing interpretations of the protagonist’s metamorphosis as an existential issue or an allegory for the flaws of capitalist exploitation, this paper redefines the character’s change as a condition of social disability rather than a biological impairment. By distinguishing the concept of physical impairment from disability understood as a limitation of possibilities imposed by society, the work emphasizes the marginalization of the character’s body for failing to meet the requirements associated with productive activity within the framework of capitalism. This paper argues that Gregor’s transformation becomes a disability only through social responses shaped by capitalist notions of productivity and normalcy. While initially displaying empathy, the family members show growing irritation towards their family member whose value is reduced only to that of a commodity, leading to Gregor’s complete withdrawal from society argues. By distinguishing the concept of physical impairment from disability understood as a limitation of possibilities imposed by society, the work emphasizes the marginalization of the character’s body for failing to meet the requirements associated with productive activity within the framework of capitalism. This paper argues that Gregor’s transformation becomes a disability only through social responses shaped by capitalist notions of productivity and normalcy. While initially displaying empathy, the family members show growing irritation towards their family member whose value is reduced only to that of a commodity, leading to Gregor’s complete withdrawal from society argues.
Keywords	Disability Studies, Social Construction, Capitalist Production, Franz Kafka, Susan Wendell, Rejected Bodies, Social Exclusion.
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-29
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.79791

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Disability as Social Construction: Production, Rejected Bodies, and Social Exclusion in The Metamorphosis

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