Final answer:
Malachi's behavior fulfills the criteria for conduct disorder, characterized by persistent antisocial behavior. Explained by social disorganization and differential association theories, such actions can result in both formal legal punishment and informal social sanctions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Malachi has shown behaviors such as breaking into a car, conning others, and shoplifting, which are all criteria for conduct disorder under the field of psychology and social studies. Conduct disorder is a serious behavioral and emotional disorder that can occur in children and teens. It is characterized by a pattern of antisocial behavior, violation of social norms, and a lack of empathy or remorse for such actions. These behaviors can be explained by various theories including social disorganization theory, which suggests that crime is likely to occur in communities with weak social ties and an absence of social control. Furthermore, such behavior could be shaped by family influences as per Sutherland's theory of differential association, which propagates that criminal behavior is learned through association with others who regularly engage in crime. Formal and informal sanctions can apply to these actions, where the criminal activities are subject to legal punishment and the deviant acts may draw informal social sanctions such as disapproval or stigma.