Consequences of the validity of the pseudo‐spin concept, which follows from the fact that the strength of the spin‐orbit interaction in the single‐particle shell‐model hamiltonian is approximately four times the strength of the orbit‐orbit term, are reviewed. In particular, it follows that the pseudo‐LS‐coupled scheme is the natural choice for a many‐particle shell‐model theory of heavy nuclei. Going beyond the pseudo‐LS scheme to situations where deformation inducing terms dominate the residual two‐body interaction, as is the case for deformed nuclei of the rare earth and actinide regions, the pseudo‐SU(3) scheme and its multi‐ℏ&ohgr; extension, the pseudo‐symplectic model, are good many‐particle shell‐model theories. Some preliminary results for238U are presented. The contribution of intruder states to enhanced quadrupole collectivity in deformed nuclei is also considered.